The Browns’ quarterback situation could go in a number of directions this offseason. The status quo would see Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson compete for the starting gig, but an outside addition will be explored. 
March will see the free agent and trade markets take shape, and Cleveland will do homework on the top options set to be available. Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com specifically names Malik Willis as a passer on the Browns’ radar at this point. That makes Cleveland one of many potential suitors in his case.
Willis is widely seen as the top quarterback on track for free agency. A Packers departure is expected, as the open market is set to present him with a starting opportunity. Cleveland had already been named as a team to watch on the Willis front, with the same also being true of Pittsburgh and Miami. The Dolphins in particular have Willis connections in the form of new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head Jeff Hafley. The 26-year-old could also be pursued by the Cardinals, provided they move on from Kyler Murray.
As Cabot notes, any veteran addition made by the Browns this offseason will not be a short-term rental but rather a passer viewed as having starting potential beyond 2026. That could certainly be the case for Willis if his market reaches expected levels, despite the fact he has only made six starts in the regular season. Cleveland’s financial situation will once again be impacted by Watson’s heavy cap charge, so it would be difficult for the team to win a bidding war.
That leaves the draft as another route to landing a new QB. On that note, Cabot writes Ty Simpson is among the prospects receiving attention in the Browns’ case. The Alabama product is seen as the second-best passer in this year’s class, owing in large part to Dante Moore‘s decision to remain in school for 2026. Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza is on track to be drafted first overall by the Raiders, but Simpson’s landing spot is much more difficult to project at this point.
Having only made 15 starts in college, Simpson is viewed as having notable upside but will carry risk based on his short track record. The 23-year-old’s 2025 season also did not finish nearly as well as it began, something which could hinder his stock. Nevertheless, the Browns – who own two first-round selections along with one in each of the second and third rounds – will have ample opportunity to make another QB investment in April.
Truly the last place I would go as a quarterback right now, and I say that with all due disrespect to the Jets, Dolphins, et al. All five offensive linemen might be gone. Their number one receiver right now is Jerry Jeudy. I like Monken well enough as a coach, but if you’re Willis, one dicey year as a starter could easily be your *only* year as a starter.
I can see a one and done choice there easily.
Interesting how browns could handle this. Part of me thinks give Shedeur a real shot in camp compete with Watson and let winner try to win many games as possible
I agree..they need to go with what they have. They keep throwing money literally away.
I can’t imagine they’d be happy trotting Watson out there.
Dillon Gabriel started 1 less game than Shedeur, had a higher completion percentage, had the same number of passing TD, and 1/5 the interceptions. Shame his dad isnt as loud as Shedeurs…
He also had an average depth of target of 6 yards meaning majority of his throws are averaging 5-7 yards down field
Sanders by contrast was around 7.5-7.7 almost 2 full more yards thrown down field
Gabriel managed 3 big time throws
Sanders managed 10 big time throws
Gabriel was credit with 10 turn over worthy plays while Sanders was credited with 15 turn over worthy plays
Gabriel isn’t a starting NFL QB doesn’t have the arm strength
If the Browns can actually get Sanders to become half as decent as Josh Allen (52.8% and 58.8% his first two years 10 TDs 12 ints his rookie year) they have something there
Sanders will never be anything close to Josh Allen.
Sanders doesnt have the arm strength either. Its slightly better than the lefties.
Sanders’ physical gifts are a liiiiiiiiiiittle bit different than Josh Allen’s.
Quantity over quality? Why not get Winston at least we know he can still throw a dart and hail mary’s.