The Browns and drafting quarterbacks: A tradition unlike any other
Another offseason approaches and the Cleveland Browns are preparing their ol’ familiar pattern of searching for yet another QB in 2026.
At this point, it wouldn’t be a Cleveland Browns offseason without at least some discussion about drafting a quarterback. And according to the latest reports, 2026 is shaping up to be no different.
Despite rolling with rookie Shedeur Sanders down the stretch, the Browns are reportedly leaning toward adding yet another quarterback in April’s draft, a development that is unsurprising, as it’s become almost a tradition.
Browns’ quarterback carousel keeps spinning
Sanders, a fifth-round pick and the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, showed real promise just two weeks ago, throwing for 364 yards and accounting for four total touchdowns in a narrow loss to the Tennessee Titans. For a moment, it looked like Cleveland may have finally stumbled into something interesting under center.
Then came Sunday. Against the Chicago Bears, Sanders struggled mightily, completing just 18 of 35 passes for 177 yards with three interceptions while taking five sacks in a lopsided 31–3 loss. It was a brutal reminder of just how difficult the NFL can be for young quarterbacks, not to mention how quickly patience tends to run out in Cleveland.
"Shedeur Sanders looked horrible this week and I feel like we haven't really acknowledged it. He looked really bad. If we're going to prop him up when he looks really good against the Titans, then I feel like we have to admit that he had a horrible week against the Bears."… pic.twitter.com/32b2b7wT8x
— UNSPORTSMANLIKE Radio (@UnSportsESPN) December 17, 2025
According to ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Rizzo, the Browns are already eyeing the draft for help.
“I’m hearing that the Browns are leaning towards taking a quarterback in the April draft,” Rizzo said.
"I'm hearing the Browns are leaning towards taking a QB in the April draft," - Rizz on the Browns QB plans 👀👀👀
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) December 17, 2025
Do you think that would be the right move? https://t.co/CbuMnNFEKf pic.twitter.com/sJctiK7U2N
The Browns currently sit at 3–10, which would land them the No. 4 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. With teams like the New York Giants and Titans likely committed to their young quarterbacks ahead of them, Cleveland could find itself in position to select one of the top passers in the class. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Oregon’s Dante Moore have already been floated as potential targets.
Of course, this is all happening just one year after Cleveland drafted Dillon Gabriel in the third round, who was benched in favor of Sanders, who was drafted in the fifth round, and who himself may now be looking over his shoulder. If you’re keeping score at home, yes, that’s another quarterback carousel forming before the current one has even stopped spinning.
None of this means the Browns have given up on Sanders entirely. Rookie quarterbacks struggle. Bad games happen. But in Cleveland, the margin for error at the position has always been quite unforgiving. So yes, the Browns drafting another quarterback would be very on brand. And if history tells us anything, it probably won’t be the last time we’re having this conversation.
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