The Cleveland Browns quarterback situation remains unsettled heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, and the latest update from general manager Andrew Berry adds a new layer to the competition. With multiple quarterbacks already in the room, the possibility of another addition could directly impact Shedeur Sanders and his path to the starting role.
Shedeur Sanders Faces Rising Qb Competition
Shedeur Sanders entered the offseason as a leading candidate for the Browns’ QB1 job. However, that position is far from secure. The team already has Deshaun Watson and Dillon Gabriel on the roster, and now there is a real chance another name could join the mix.
Andrew Berry confirmed that drafting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson remains a possibility. While he avoided making a firm commitment, he made it clear the door is still open.
“I’d say I don’t love dealing in hypotheticals,” Berry said. “So, I guess I’d say this, if we add a quarterback, we have a lot of love for the quarterbacks that are in the room, that’s probably the first thing. So that decision would be made independently of anything that we add to the room.”
That statement keeps all options in play. If Simpson is drafted, the Browns would have four quarterbacks competing, making an already tight race even more intense.
Browns Still Searching For Stability
The Browns’ ongoing search for a long-term franchise quarterback continues to shape their decisions. Despite acquiring Deshaun Watson in a high-profile trade, the expected stability has not materialized due to injuries and off-field issues.
As a result, the team has continued to invest in young talent. Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel were both added last year, signaling a shift toward developing future options. Sanders showed flashes during his rookie season, but reports described his performance as inconsistent, even with a Pro Bowl selection tied to his name.
Now, with the draft approaching, the Browns appear unwilling to limit their options. The potential addition of Ty Simpson reflects that mindset. It also highlights the uncertainty surrounding the current quarterback group.
At the same time, the broader draft strategy remains flexible. With this class viewed by many evaluators as lacking elite, can’t-miss prospects, Cleveland could explore trading down to build future draft capital. That approach would allow the team to strengthen multiple areas while continuing its search for a reliable quarterback solution.
For Shedeur Sanders, the situation is clear. The competition is active, and it could expand at any moment. The Browns have not closed any doors, and every move signals that the starting job will be earned through performance, not projection.
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