The quarterback situation in Cleveland has quickly become one of the NFL’s most scrutinized storylines, and much of the criticism is being directed at Andrew Berry.
The Cleveland Browns general manager is facing mounting backlash after an analyst openly questioned the team’s lack of clarity surrounding young quarterback Shedeur Sanders and the franchise’s broader direction under center.
Cleveland’s decision to draft Sanders in 2025 was viewed as a developmental investment with upside. The rookie showed flashes of confidence and arm talent in limited action, but inconsistency defined much of his early playing time.
Instead of publicly committing to his growth as the future starter, the organization has continued to signal that all options remain on the table. That ambiguity has fueled speculation, and frustration.
The criticism intensified when reports surfaced that Cleveland has shown interest in additional quarterback prospects, including Ty Simpson, formerly of the Alabama Crimson Tide football. Rather than quieting the noise, the apparent scouting interest has amplified questions about whether the Browns truly believe Sanders can develop into their long-term answer.
Mounting pressure and a franchise at a crossroads
One outspoken Browns analyst did not mince words, suggesting the front office appears to be throwing ideas at the wall rather than executing a defined strategy. The core of the criticism centers on direction: Are the Browns rebuilding around youth, or are they still trying to patch together short-term solutions?
“If somebody can lead me to 11 wins, I don’t care if it’s Deshaun Watson, Dillon Gabriel, Ty Simpson, Malik Willis, or Shedeur. I’m done with this crap,” Tony Rizzo said on his show on Monday.
“And if Andrew wants to throw a bunch of sh*t against the wall like he did last year, so be it. What am I gonna do? I’m starting to think that the quarterback room as it is right now is not gonna be our quarterback room.”
The presence of veteran quarterback Deshaun Watson further complicates the narrative. Watson‘s tenure in Cleveland has been turbulent, and while he remains part of the roster conversation, injuries and inconsistent performance have prevented stability.
New head coach Todd Monken has publicly supported open competition, emphasizing development and accountability. While that approach can foster growth, critics argue that young quarterbacks benefit from organizational confidence. Without it, every offseason rumor becomes magnified.
Former head coach Kevin Stefanski previously praised Sanders‘ work ethic and resilience, pointing to his leadership traits and mental toughness. However, leadership endorsements from a former coach do little to settle the current debate.
At its core, the controversy reflects a franchise searching for stability at football’s most important position. The Browns have cycled through quarterbacks for years, and fans are weary of uncertainty. Whether Berry ultimately doubles down on Sanders or pivots toward another prospect, the decision will define the trajectory of the franchise moving forward.
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