Browns GM, HC Face Pressure to Find Right QB

Andrew Berry and Todd Monken have one shot to get the quarterback position right in Cleveland

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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As the Cleveland Browns head into the 2026 NFL offseason, general manager Andrew Berry and new head coach Todd Monken face immense pressure to find the right quarterback for the team. With the previous QB acquisition of Deshaun Watson not working out, Berry and Monken know they have one shot to get this critical decision right, as it could define their tenures with the franchise.

Why it matters

The Browns have struggled to find stability at the quarterback position for years, and the decisions made by Berry and Monken this offseason will have major implications for the team's future. Getting the QB right is crucial for the Browns to compete and potentially win a Super Bowl, which is the ultimate goal for the long-suffering fanbase.

The details

Berry, who is still a relatively young GM, has to prove he can make the right quarterback move after the Watson trade. Monken, a veteran offensive mind, may not get another chance as an NFL head coach if he can't turn the Browns' offense around with the right QB. The duo will have to carefully evaluate all options, whether in free agency or the draft, to find their long-term answer at the position.

  • The Browns' offseason is already underway as they look to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season.
  • Berry and Monken will have to make a decision on the quarterback position in the coming months, either through free agency or the 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

Andrew Berry

The Cleveland Browns' general manager, who is under pressure to make the right quarterback decision after the Deshaun Watson trade.

Todd Monken

The new head coach of the Cleveland Browns, who is tasked with turning around the team's offense and finding the right quarterback to lead the way.

Shedeur Sanders

The Browns' rookie quarterback in 2025, who may have done enough to buy Berry and Monken some time before they have to make a long-term decision at the position.

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What they’re saying

“We will never know for sure how involved Berry was in the decision to trade for QB Deshaun Watson, but that was the big quarterback acquisition of his career. Given the magnitude, it is obvious that owner Jimmy Haslam and former HC Kevin Stefanski were involved as well.”

— Jared Mueller, Author (dawgsbynature.com)

“Now, after Stefasnki's ouster, Berry has one shot to get the quarterback position right. After knocking it out of the ballpark in the 2025 NFL draft, Cleveland's general manager still has to get premium positions, especially the quarterback spot, right or risk being fired.”

— Jared Mueller, Author (dawgsbynature.com)

What’s next

Berry and Monken will have to carefully evaluate all options, whether in free agency or the 2026 NFL Draft, to find their long-term answer at the quarterback position. The duo will likely be as picky as possible, delaying a major decision until the right QB becomes available.

The takeaway

The pressure is on for Andrew Berry and Todd Monken to get the quarterback position right for the Cleveland Browns. Their decision could define their tenures with the franchise, as finding the right QB is crucial for the team to compete and potentially win a Super Bowl, which is the ultimate goal for the long-suffering fanbase.