The Cleveland Browns have drafted three quarterbacks in the last two drafts. After last season’s mess, they hope Deshaun Watson can provide some stability under new head coach Todd Monken.
However, even as Watson has been named the QB1, that leaves the rest of the room in flux. While Cleveland opted to keep four quarterbacks, one former NFL defensive tackle predicts that a trade is coming for either Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel.
Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel Face Uncertain Future Amid Browns’ QB Plans
Last season, the Browns drafted Gabriel in the third round and Sanders in the fifth round. Both players got some run and opportunities to start, but neither cemented himself as the long-term starter.
By the end of the year, Sanders ranked No. 37 in PFN’s QB Impact Score, while Gabriel ranked No. 36. However, given the flashes that Sanders showed, he seemed like the better prospect for the Browns to invest in.
As a result, he was once again in a battle for the QB1 spot, this time against Watson. Even though he lost that race and was named QB2, recent developments have cast a shadow on his future with the team.
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Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN confirmed that rookie Taylen Green, selected in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, has also made it to the 53-man roster. That means Cleveland is keeping four QBs, with Gabriel added to injured reserve after suffering an injury in the final preseason game.
Former NFL DT Breiden Fehoko had some thoughts on the situation and predicted that either Sanders or Gabriel would be dealt.
“The Browns are trying to actively find a trade partner for one of the QBs,” he wrote. “I’ll give you a hint, it ain’t Deshaun. They did the same thing in 2024 with Watson, Winston, DTR, & Huntley. They couldn’t get a deal done for Huntley and eventually just cut him.”
The Browns are trying to actively find a trade partner for one of the QBs. I’ll give you a hint it ain’t Deshaun. They did the same thing in 2024 with Watson, Winston, DTR, & Huntley. They couldn’t get a deal done for Huntley and eventually just cut him. https://t.co/eF3tdicGU2
— Breiden Fehoko (@BreidenFehoko) August 30, 2026
As things stand, the Browns plan to move ahead with four quarterbacks on their roster, but it’s never too late for a trade.
It remains to be seen if Sanders or Gabriel will find a new home before the 2026 NFL season starts.
Regardless, the focus for the organization seems to be crystal clear. The growing sentiment is that the Browns will once again have to select a quarterback in next year’s draft to find their QB of the future.
