The Cleveland Browns are heading into the 2026 preseason with one of the more unsettled quarterback situations in the league, and a major reason for that uncertainty is that Shedeur Sanders has yet to firmly establish himself as the clear-cut starter.
Sanders arrived with significant expectations after a high-profile college career, but his early NFL returns have been more developmental than definitive. While he showed flashes of poise and arm talent during his rookie appearances, the overall body of work hasn’t separated him from the rest of the quarterback room.
And flashes alone aren’t enough to lock down the job for a franchise that has struggled to find long-term stability at the position. Part of the challenge for Sanders is that his transition to the NFL has included the typical growing pains.
Timing sometimes lagged behind for Shedeur
Processing speed, consistency in reading defenses, and handling pressure at the professional level are all areas where he remains a work in progress. He demonstrated the ability to extend plays and make off-platform throws, but there were also moments where timing and decision-making lagged behind what the Browns need from a Week 1 starter.
Complicating matters is the presence of Dillon Gabriel, who also received valuable reps during his rookie season. Gabriel may not carry the same spotlight as Sanders, but internally, the Browns view him as a legitimate competitor. His experience running efficient offenses in college translated into stretches of steady play, and while his ceiling might be debated, his floor has given the coaching staff something to consider.
Then there’s Deshaun Watson, whose return from an Achilles injury adds another layer of uncertainty. Watson missed the entire 2025 season, but if healthy, he brings a résumé that neither Sanders nor Gabriel can match. The Browns must evaluate not only his physical recovery but also whether he can regain his previous level of performance. If he shows signs of that form, it would be difficult to ignore his experience in favor of a younger, unproven option.
The Browns are not rushing into a final decision
Organizationally, the Browns have made it clear they are not rushing into a decision. Andrew Berry has emphasized at both the NFL Scouting Combine and the NFL Annual Meeting that the team intends to keep its options open. That stance reflects both the uncertainty within the room and the team’s desire to create competition rather than hand the job to any one player prematurely.
For Sanders, the path to becoming the undisputed starter is still very much available, but it requires more than potential. He needs to show command of the offense, limit mistakes, and demonstrate that he can consistently move the team against starting-caliber defenses. Until that happens, the Browns are unlikely to commit fully, especially with viable alternatives in-house.
As the offseason progresses toward training camp, the Browns‘ quarterback competition is expected to be one of the most closely watched in the league. Sanders remains a central figure in that battle, but at this stage, he is still trying to prove that he deserves to be the answer rather than just one of several options.
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