Browns Star Myles Garrett Questions Future of QB Shedeur Sanders

Garrett's comments raise doubts about the team's commitment to the young quarterback amid an uncertain QB situation in Cleveland.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As the Cleveland Browns prepare for the 2026 NFL season, uncertainty looms over the quarterback position following their unusual choices in recent drafts. The spotlight remains on rookie Shedeur Sanders, whose status with the team is now in question after Browns star defensive player Myles Garrett appeared hesitant when discussing his future. This doubt clouds the Browns' plans as they navigate an already complex quarterback situation.

Why it matters

The Browns' quarterback quandary carries significant ramifications for the team's trajectory. With Myles Garrett's hesitancy emblematic of a broader organizational uncertainty, Cleveland must make decisive moves to secure stability under center before the 2026 season to avoid prolonging a period of frustration and stalled progress.

The details

Heading into the 2022 season, the Browns made a significant investment in Deshaun Watson, trading multiple high draft picks—including three first-round selections—and signing him to a fully guaranteed five-year contract worth $230 million. However, Watson's availability was hampered by legal issues and injuries, causing him to miss most of his time with Cleveland and preventing him from reaching his earlier Houston Texans form. Despite many expecting Cleveland to use the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft for Sanders, the team surprised fans by trading that pick away. Later rounds saw the selection of quarterback Dillion Gabriel in the third round, while Sanders was taken only in the fifth round. Both players have since seen playing time, but the Browns' commitment to Sanders appears less certain.

  • In the 2022 season, the Browns traded for Deshaun Watson.
  • In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Browns traded away the second overall pick instead of using it on Shedeur Sanders.

The players

Myles Garrett

A star defensive player for the Cleveland Browns.

Shedeur Sanders

A rookie quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, drafted in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Deshaun Watson

A quarterback the Browns traded for in 2022, signing him to a fully guaranteed five-year contract worth $230 million.

Dillion Gabriel

A quarterback the Browns selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think he reflects the team's attitude. He didn't gush about Shedeur, he said, 'Well, he's the last one standing,' and that's pretty much what it is.”

— Tony Rossi, ESPN Cleveland

“He was kinda at a loss for words when asked about [Deshaun] Watson. There was a little pregnant pause there.”

— Tony Rossi, ESPN Cleveland

What’s next

The Browns hold the sixth overall pick in the upcoming draft, but the quarterback prospects in this year's class are considered weak, making it unlikely Cleveland will select a quarterback early. This situation forces the organization to either improve Sanders, invest in existing players like Gabriel, or pursue a veteran signal-caller to lead the offense moving forward.

The takeaway

The Browns' quarterback situation remains uncertain, with Myles Garrett's hesitant comments about Shedeur Sanders reflecting a broader organizational doubt. Cleveland must make decisive moves to stabilize the quarterback position before the 2026 season to avoid prolonged frustration and stalled progress.