Heading into the 2026–2027 season, the Cleveland Browns finally may have some clarity at quarterback and they need to lean into it.
Shedeur Sanders is already in the building, and after some flashes the job should be his for at least next year. The Browns have spent too long searching for stability under center, and now that they’ve invested in a young passer with upside. That means building the offense around Sanders’ strengths and letting him grow without constantly looking over his shoulder.
That also means the organization needs to make a firm decision on Deshaun Watson. If Watson is still on the roster, he should not enter camp as the presumed starter. At this point, he’s either a high-priced backup, a trade candidate, or a post-June cap decision. The Browns can’t split reps in a way that stalls Sanders’ development. If the goal is long-term contention, the young quarterback needs full control of the offense and full leadership of the locker room. Drifting between eras would only repeat past mistakes.
What Cleveland should add is a steady veteran No. 2, someone comfortable mentoring and capable of winning games if needed, but not threatening the long-term plan. A reliable backup with experience in a similar offensive system would protect the season without making a big change to the depth chart. I think the formula is simple: Sanders starts Week 1, the offense evolves with him, and the front office resists the urge to panic if there are bumps along the way.
For once, the Browns have a direction at quarterback. In 2026–2027, they need to give him the reins, and if that doesn’t work then they can look out and go from there
