Overview
- Cleveland has not added a veteran quarterback this offseason, with Todd Monken keeping the 2026 job an open competition among Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson and Dillon Gabriel.
- Recent reporting casts Sanders as the early favorite after late‑season flashes and public backing from Monken, though improving decision-making and efficiency remains a key goal.
- Deshaun Watson’s fully guaranteed $230 million contract and his long layoff after two Achilles surgeries have limited viable pathways to pursue a clear external upgrade.
- The Browns have bolstered the offensive line with Tytus Howard, Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins to better protect whoever wins the starting role.
- New coverage indicates Cleveland is evaluating a first‑round quarterback contingency such as Alabama’s Ty Simpson, while outside proposals also float a speculative, low‑cost trade for Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy.