Who Will Be Browns QB1 in 2026? Rapoport's Latest Rumors on Shedeur, Watson, NFL Draft

Rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel as well as veteran Deshaun Watson will all be in the mix for the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback job in 2026, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

"Next year, the Browns will still likely need a franchise quarterback," Rapoport reported on NFL GameDay Morning. "Probably draft one early. Will still have Shedeur, will still have Dillon Gabriel, but probably need a veteran bridge starter. Deshaun Watson's contract is already fully guaranteed for next year. He hasn't been a problem in the locker room."

"Wouldn't be surprised if he is a starter for the Browns next season," he added.

Watson hasn't played this season as he continues to recover from Achilles surgery that he underwent on Jan. 10.

Watson went 1-6 as the Browns' starter in 2024, completing 63.4 percent of his passes for 1,148 yards and six touchdowns while getting picked off three times. He also rushed for 148 yards and one score.

Watson initially tore his Achilles in Week 7 last season before re-rupturing the tendon and eventually undergoing the procedure.

Cleveland designated him for a return to practice on Wednesday, giving the team 21 days to decide if he'll be moved to the active roster or placed on injured reserve for the remainder of the season.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Watson is "unlikely" to play this year, although the Browns still plan to have him on their roster in 2026.

Sanders and Gabriel have both shown signs of upside, but neither player has definitively proven to be Cleveland's long-term answer under center just yet.

Sanders has gone 27-of-45 for 358 yards and two touchdowns compared to one interception in two starts. Meanwhile, Gabriel has completed 58.9 percent of his throws for 918 yards and six touchdowns to go along with two interceptions in six starts.

The Browns should also enter the 2026 draft with a high pick given their 3-9 record, putting them in position to potentially select a top quarterback prospect.