Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns
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Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns
While there are plenty of NFL teams out there that find themselves in need of a quarterback here in the 2026 offseason, there probably is no team that features a more varied set of possible QB outcomes than the Cleveland Browns. As we sit here in late February, the team is not choosing among a draft pick or a rehabbing veteran, a free agent or a young incumbent.
No, the Browns are picking from the entire menu, a frustrating mix of all-of-the-above choices, none that are all that appetizing.
Second-year fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders? He could keep the job.
Free-agent target Malik Willis? If the price is right, he could land in Cleveland.
A trade option like Mac Jones? He’s a possibility.
A draftee like Ty Simpson or Grant Nussmeier? Also on the menu.
And there’s the $230 million man, Deshaun Watson, who stands out among the Browns choices for having been the best and most proven quarterback at the NFL level of any in the group. As he rehabs from two Achilles tendon surgeries, much as Browns fans might not like the notion, he probably remains the safest bet to give the team competent quarterback play. GM Andrew Berry said he will get that chance.
Deshaun Watson Expected to ‘Compete’ for Job
Speaking at the NFL draft combine in Indianapolis this week, Berry told reporters that the Browns hope to see further improvement from Sanders, but also that he expects Watson to get his hat in the ring for the starter’s job.
There have been reports suggesting the new head coach Todd Monken is leaning toward giving Watson a path toward reclaiming the starting job after having not played at all in 2025. Watson has played just 19 games for the Browns since signing a staggering five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract in Cleveland.
Asked about Watson on Tuesday, Berry said: “Any player on our roster, we would want to compete. We believe in competition at every spot. That’s not different than quarterback—Deshaun’s been working really hard. He’s been working his tail off and, like I said, we’re excited to get going with all our players across the roster.”
Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry.
GettyCleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry.
Browns Not Afraid of Youth
It might suit the Browns to have a bit of experience at the quarterback position, because much of the rest of the offense is expected to be young heading into 2026. The Browns expect to fill some key roles in free agency, but will need to replenish the offense–especially the line–in the draft.
Overall, though, Berry said that the Browns are not–and should not–be afraid to employ youth, on either side of the ball.
“One of the biggest misconceptions is that youth equals lack of performance,” Berry said. “You know, two of the three youngest teams this past year were Philadelphia and Green Bay. I think, we’re a little bit unique in the NFL where it’s not like baseball where a prospect has to be in the farm system for seven years before they hit the big-league level.
“There certainly is an adjustment period for young players but we want to have high expectations for guys who come into our program, to be role players and to ascend into starters. I think we saw that this past year with this draft class.”