Browns Insider Hints at Shedeur Sanders' Future

Cleveland may not draft a QB early, leaving Sanders as likely starter in 2026.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A Cleveland Browns insider has suggested the team may not draft a quarterback early in the 2026 NFL Draft, potentially leaving Shedeur Sanders as the likely starter next season. Sanders, a fifth-round pick in 2025, had a solid rookie campaign, earning a Pro Bowl nod despite some inconsistency. The Browns will have to decide whether to bring in a free agent or trade for a QB to compete with Sanders, or give him another chance as the starter.

Why it matters

The Browns' decision on their quarterback situation will be a key storyline this offseason, as they look to build on a promising 2025 season and potentially make a playoff push. Keeping Sanders as the starter could provide stability, but the team may also feel the need to upgrade the position through free agency or the draft.

The details

After drafting Sanders in the fifth round in 2025, the Browns turned to him as the starter midway through the season. He played decently, completing 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards, 7 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, while also rushing for 169 yards and a TD. Now, a Browns insider has suggested the team may not draft a QB early, leaving Sanders as the likely starter in 2026.

  • Sanders was drafted by the Browns in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
  • Sanders took over as the Browns' starting QB midway through the 2025 season.
  • The 2026 NFL offseason is now underway, with the draft coming up.

The players

Shedeur Sanders

The Browns' fifth-round draft pick in 2025 who took over as the starting quarterback midway through the season, earning a Pro Bowl nod despite some inconsistency.

Tony Grossi

An ESPN Cleveland reporter who has suggested the Browns may not draft a quarterback early in the 2026 NFL Draft, potentially leaving Sanders as the likely starter.

Andrew Berry

The Browns' general manager, who will be tasked with deciding the team's quarterback situation this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“I don't see them drafting [a QB] early. By that, I mean first and second day. Will they draft one after that? Possibly, why not? Much later.”

— Tony Grossi, ESPN Cleveland Reporter (ESPN Cleveland)

“[One] who wouldn't consider him a threat to be a starting quarterback as a rookie. I can see them adding a guy, but you need a fourth quarterback in training camp. It could be middle or late rounds.”

— Tony Grossi, ESPN Cleveland Reporter (ESPN Cleveland)

What’s next

The Browns will have to decide in the coming months whether to bring in a free agent or trade for a quarterback to compete with Shedeur Sanders, or give Sanders another chance as the starter in 2026.

The takeaway

The Browns' quarterback situation will be a key storyline this offseason, as they weigh whether to stick with Shedeur Sanders or bring in outside competition. Keeping Sanders as the starter could provide stability, but the team may also feel the need to upgrade the position through free agency or the draft.