Cleveland Browns’ long quest for a stable quarterback continues beyond Shedeur Sanders’ 2025 arrival. General Manager Andrew Berry expressed uncertainty this week at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, stating it is “too early to say” whether Sanders or veteran Deshaun Watson will start next season.
Quarterback Options Under Consideration
The Browns evaluate multiple quarterback possibilities for the upcoming campaign, including Watson, free agent Malik Willis, and Alabama’s Ty Simpson, a projected first-round draft pick. New head coach Todd Monken shows interest in Watson despite his challenges with sexual misconduct allegations, inconsistent performance, and injuries.
Watson has settled 27 lawsuits from women accusing him of inappropriate behavior during massages. He returns from two ruptured Achilles tendons and has not completed a full season since 2020. Recent practice sessions in December revealed promising form from the former Clemson and Houston Texans standout.
Sanders’ Mixed Rookie Season
Shedeur Sanders experienced an uneven rookie year after slipping to the fifth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He earned a surprise Pro Bowl nod with a 3-4 record in seven starts, though he threw 10 interceptions against seven touchdowns. Public backing from President Donald Trump highlighted his early hype.
Watson’s Browns tenure stands at 9-10 as a starter, with a high sack rate of nearly 12 percent on dropbacks.
Offensive Line Overhaul and Draft Strategy
The Browns’ defense ranked fourth in yards allowed last season, but the offense lagged near the bottom. Monken’s arrival from Baltimore as offensive coordinator signals a potential offensive revamp.
Right guard Wyatt Teller announced his free agency entry via Instagram, joining starters Cam Robinson, Ethan Pocic, Jack Conklin, and Joel Bitonio. The entire offensive line now seeks new teams.
With the sixth and 24th picks in the first round of April’s NFL Draft, Cleveland eyes offensive line reinforcements to protect the Week 1 starter. Trading down remains an option to acquire additional selections and bolster the roster.
