The Cleveland Browns head into the 2025 NFL season with perhaps the most crowded quarterback room in the league-yet still face uncertainty at the position.
With Deshaun Watson set to miss the entire season due to an Achilles injury, the Browns acted aggressively to fill the void. They added four new quarterbacks: traded for Kenny Pickett, signed veteran Joe Flacco, and selected Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in the NFL Draft.
Despite the influx of talent, none of the quarterbacks on the roster are clear long-term solutions. Pickett struggled to maintain a starting role in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, Flacco is nearing the end of his career, and both Gabriel and Sanders are unproven rookies. The Browns appear to be preparing for another reset under center.
Cade Klubnik a potential target in 2026 NFL Draft?
According to Travis May of A to Z Sports, Cleveland’s quarterback search might continue into next year. In his early 2026 NFL mock draft, May projects the Browns to select Clemson standout quarterback Cade Klubnik with the No. 3 overall pick.
Klubnik has been one of the most productive college quarterbacks, finishing the 2024 season with more passing touchdowns than all but two quarterbacks nationwide-Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders.
May highlighted Klubnik’s improved efficiency, dual-threat capability, and leadership as reasons he’s projected so highly. With Clemson returning much of its offensive core,
Klubnik is poised to build on last season’s success and potentially guide the Tigers to a national championship. His profile as a former five-star recruit who has finally hit his stride makes him an attractive option for NFL teams looking for a future franchise quarterback.
The Browns also hold the No. 8 pick via a trade with Jacksonville, and May forecasts them using that selection on Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods. Known for his disruptive presence along the defensive front, Woods is considered the top interior defensive line prospect heading into the 2026 draft. May notes his elite pass-rushing productivity and versatility as key strengths.
Cleveland’s hypothetical 2026 draft doesn’t stop there. May sees them bolstering the offense with Auburn wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. in the second round, and addressing offensive line depth with Notre Dame tackle Charles Jagusah in the third.
The Browns may have a packed quarterback room now, but it seems the front office is not convinced the long-term solution is on the roster. If Klubnik continues his current trajectory, Cleveland could be ready to dip back into the draft next spring in search of the elusive franchise quarterback they’ve been chasing for decades.
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