Cleveland enters the 2026 offseason with massive questions at the most important position on the field. The front office watched three different players start games during a very disappointing 2025 campaign. Joe Flacco left for Cincinnati while Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders failed to grab the permanent job.
Shedeur Sanders
Jan 4, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) drops back to pass against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
Team management remains undecided on who should lead the offense when the new season kicks off. Reporter Daniel Oyefusi suggests the team might have to rely on internal growth rather than outside help. He thinks Sanders has the best chance to improve because of his youth.
“Realistically, the best pathway for the Browns and this current roster is for one of these incumbent guys to take off. And really, you’re looking at Shedeur because he’s younger and you saw some flashes this past year,” Oyefusisaid.
However, the trade market offers more exciting possibilities for a franchise desperate to win right now. NFL insiders believe the Browns are eyeing established young starters who might be available for trade. Anthony Richardson and Will Levis are the top names linked to Cleveland this spring.
Josh Edwards from CBS Sports recentlyshared his thoughts on 92.3 The Fan regarding these potential moves. He expects both players to change teams before the upcoming draft begins in late April. This would give Cleveland a chance to skip the risky rookie development process entirely.
“I think that Will Levis and Anthony Richardson will be moved before the draft, so I think the Browns are going to be in that conversation for those two players. That’s a more worthwhile dart throw than going down the route of a Carson Beck or Drew Allar.”
🚨 @EdwardsCBS w/… pic.twitter.com/qIG3dxJRhn
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) April 4, 2026
“I think that Will Levis and Anthony Richardson will be moved before the draft, so I think the Browns are going to be in that conversation for those two players,” Edwards said.
Management must now weigh the benefits of a veteran trade against the potential of a high draft selection. This decision will define the trajectory of the franchise for the next several years of competition.
Evaluating if Shedeur Sanders remains the long-term answer
The Browns must decide if sticking with Shedeur Sanders is better than drafting a fresh prospect. Scouts have spent months evaluating top college players, such as Carson Beck and Drew Allar, for the team. These players offer high potential but require several years of coaching to reach their peak.
Josh Edwards believes trading for Richardson or Levis is a more worthwhile dart throw than going down the route of a Carson Beck or Drew Allar. This strategy focuses on players with professional experience. Ty Simpson is another name mentioned in rumors but he seems unlikely for Cleveland.
The AFC North is a tough division that requires a high level of quarterback play every week. Cleveland cannot afford another season of inconsistent passing if they want to make the playoffs again. Many wonder if Shedeur Sanders can provide the necessary stability to win.
The team has enough cap space to handle a major contract for a new signal-caller. They need to act fast before other teams snatch up the available talent. Success in 2026 depends on making the right choice at quarterback this month.