The [Cleveland Browns](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/cleveland-browns)’ quarterback room is entering a transition phase. While the 2026 season revolves around the competition between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson, Andrew Berry cannot ignore Watson’s availability issues. With only 19 games played in four years and recovery from two Achilles surgeries ongoing, Watson is difficult to rely on for a full season.
If Watson becomes unavailable, the Browns are left with Dillon Gabriel as the primary backup to Sanders. To avoid the very real possibility of being left with such a thin depth chart, Cleveland should consider one of these three veterans in free agency who can provide stability without a high price tag.
**More:** [The Maxx Crosby effect: Why the Ravens trade creates new urgency for Browns](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/cleveland-browns/news/maxx-crosby-effect-why-ravens-trade-creates-urgency-browns/2abbf7d833a1afc6f8b4c67e)
**1\. Gardner Minshew (Chiefs)**
**Pros:** 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. Appears to be fully recovered from a late season knee injury.
**Con:** He has a tendency to take unnecessary risks with the ball, which can lead to turnovers in close games.
**2\. Sam Howell (Eagles)**
**Pros:** 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. While with Washington in 2023 he threw for nearly 4,000-yards, tossed 21-TDs and ran in five more for scores.
**Con:** In that same 2023 campaign, Howell also threw 21-INTs. He often holds the ball too long, which has led to a high number of avoidable sacks.
**3\. Jake Browning (Bengals)**
**Pros:** Browning is a mobile threat who rushed for 127 yards and three touchdowns in 2023, and he brings intimate knowledge of the AFC North. While he struggled when given the chance to start in 2025, his 2023 campaign—where he delivered an impressive 70.4% completion rate over nine games—proves he can execute at a high level.
**Con:** His performance dipped significantly in 2025, where his passer rating fell to 71.1 and he threw more interceptions (8) than touchdowns (6) over five appearances.
Each of these three vets have their flaws, but would provide a safety net. After all, the Browns seem to always go through at least three-to-four quarterbacks each year.
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