Browns Eyeing 3 'Best Fit' QBs in Free Agency

Cleveland must address depth behind Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson's injury history

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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With Deshaun Watson's availability issues and Dillon Gabriel as the only other QB on the roster, the Cleveland Browns are looking to add a veteran free agent quarterback this offseason. The team is considering three options: Gardner Minshew, Sam Howell, and Jake Browning, each with their own pros and cons.

Why it matters

The Browns' quarterback room is in flux, with Watson's injury history and Gabriel as the only other QB. Adding an experienced free agent could provide crucial depth and stability if Watson or the younger Sanders are unavailable.

The details

Gardner Minshew is a veteran winner who can step in if needed, but has a tendency for risky plays. Sam Howell has a strong arm but struggled with turnovers in 2023. Jake Browning is mobile and knows the AFC North, but his play dipped in 2025.

  • The Browns will need to make a decision on a free agent QB signing before the start of the 2026 season.

The players

Deshaun Watson

The Browns' starting QB, but has played in only 19 games over the past 4 seasons due to injuries and availability issues.

Shedeur Sanders

The Browns' young QB who will compete with Watson for the starting job in 2026.

Dillon Gabriel

The Browns' current backup QB, but the team is looking to add more depth at the position.

Gardner Minshew

A veteran free agent QB who has successfully stepped in as a starter for multiple teams, but has a tendency for risky plays.

Sam Howell

A 25-year-old free agent QB with a strong arm, but struggled with turnovers in 2023 when he threw for nearly 4,000 yards.

Jake Browning

A mobile free agent QB with knowledge of the AFC North, but his play dipped significantly in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“He is a veteran winner who has successfully stepped in for starters across multiple teams. His presence would offer a reliable floor for the offense if the younger players aren't ready.”

— Gardner Minshew (Sporting News)

“Howell is only 25 and has the arm strength to fit Todd Monken's vertical passing attack. He is durable and has already shown he can handle a heavy passing volume at the NFL level.”

— Sam Howell (Sporting News)

“Browning is a mobile threat who rushed for 127 yards and three touchdowns in 2023, and he brings intimate knowledge of the AFC North.”

— Jake Browning (Sporting News)

What’s next

The Browns will need to evaluate these free agent options and make a decision on who to sign before the start of the 2026 season to provide depth behind Shedeur Sanders and the injury-prone Deshaun Watson.

The takeaway

The Browns' quarterback situation remains uncertain, with Watson's availability a major concern and only Dillon Gabriel as the current backup. Adding a veteran free agent like Minshew, Howell or Browning could provide crucial insurance and stability at the position.