The Cleveland Browns face a quarterback puzzle heading into the 2026 season. Four quarterbacks competing for the starting job typically signals a team lacks a clear answer at the position.
That reality could push the Browns toward the 2026 NFL Draft to find their franchise quarterback.
But Cleveland’s situation might not be as desperate as it appears. The Browns selected two promising quarterbacks in the 2025 draft who could change everything.
Shedeur Sanders went in the first round after his standout career at Colorado. Dillon Gabriel was picked on day two following his productive seasons at Oregon and Oklahoma.
If either player develops into a legitimate starter, the Browns won’t need to draft another quarterback. Instead, they could trade one of their first-round picks for additional assets.
Cleveland acquired multiple first-round selections from the Jacksonville Jaguars on draft night. Those picks become extremely valuable if Sanders or Gabriel emerges as the answer.
“If Sanders or Gabriel emerges as a legitimate starter by the end of the season, the Browns’ draft strategy completely shifts. Suddenly, they’re not desperate for a quarterback. They’re dangerous with assets,”
Dawgs By Nature’s Damon Wolfe wrote.
The New Orleans Saints and New York Jets represent potential trade partners. Both teams could face another disappointing season and might overpay for quarterback help.
GM Andrew Berry learned expensive lessons from the Deshaun Watson trade. Trading future assets for an unproven commodity carries enormous risk.
But building around a quarterback you’ve already identified? That’s how successful franchises operate.
“Berry could easily flip one of those 2026 first-rounders to a quarterback-needy team for a 2027 first-rounder, along with additional compensation.”
The strategy mirrors what championship teams do. Trade back when you have your quarterback, collect additional picks, and build around your signal-caller.
Berry’s approach would follow the Philadelphia Eagles’ blueprint. The Eagles built their Super Bowl-winning roster through calculated moves and long-term thinking.
A proven commodity is worth more than a projection.
Trading one first-round pick for future assets while using the other to address immediate needs makes perfect sense. Cleveland could target a top tackle, receiver, or pass rusher to accelerate their rebuild.
The current quarterback room includes Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett alongside the rookies. Neither veteran figures into long-term plans.
Flacco, 40, provides experience but isn’t a franchise solution. Pickett’s trade value was minimal when Pittsburgh moved him for Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a fifth-round pick.
Sanders and Gabriel both ran complex offenses in college. Sanders thrived at Colorado after transferring from Jackson State. Gabriel was productive at multiple stops including Oregon, Oklahoma, and Central Florida.
Both quarterbacks possess the tools to succeed at the professional level. Sanders brings arm talent and poise. Gabriel offers experience and decision-making ability.
The Browns’ 2026 strategy depends entirely on how quickly either player develops. Rapid improvement from Sanders or Gabriel transforms Cleveland from desperate to dangerous.
Berry can then focus on surrounding his young quarterback with talent rather than searching for a replacement.
