The future of the Cleveland Browns is driven by how quickly they can sort an answer at quarterback. The dream scenario is that Shedeur Sanders becomes their franchise quarterback. If he is that player in 2026, then you have everything other than a left tackle and a couple of offensive playmakers away from being able to win playoff games. Ideally both of these come from the first round of the draft.
The most likely outcome is the fifth round pick doesn't become the long term answer, which turns the attention to the 2027 NFL Draft. While there is a long way to go, currently four quarterbacks are in the top five of NFL Mock Draft Databases' Consensus Big Board:
1 - Arch Manning
2 - Dante Moore
4 - DJ Lagway
5 - Julian Sayin
So if Sanders isn't the answer but you manage to find a left tackle and playmaker in 2026, you go into the 2027 draft and get your quarterback. Deshaun Watson's cash is off the books after this current season so another $46m to spend on free agency or extensions. I would much rather have Garrett and Ward as part of a star studded elite defense than rebuilding on that side of the ball too.
Having Garrett might cost you the top pick in the draft, but regularly the first quarterback taken in a stacked class doesn't always end up the best longer term. The Baltimore Ravens thought Hayden Hurst was a better player than Lamar Jackson.
My belief is keep adding talent to the roster, rather than losing it. I would keep Garrett, but the indication from the team is that they are strongly considering all options after they changed Garrett's contract to open the door to a trade.