Browns GM Saw 'Progress' from Shedeur Sanders, Talks QB Plans for 2026 NFL Season

Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry reflected on Shedeur Sanders' rookie year while discussing the team's starting quarterback plans for the 2026 season.

"I think we saw a lot of progress with this year, mentally and physically," Berry told reporters Monday. "He's very much a work in progress... We're gonna do our work on the quarterback market. I can't tell you today if the starter in 2026 is internal or external."

Big changes are already coming for the Browns in 2026 after they fired head coach Kevin Stefanski on Monday.

Berry said that Cleveland will search for a new coach to "lead and develop what will be a young offense with heavy investment over the next six months to match and build on the performance of a young defense that is already playing at an elite level" as part of the team's announcement regarding Stefanski's dismissal.

The Browns will have multiple avenues to add a quarterback during the offseason.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Cleveland is expected to explore options in free agency such as Indianapolis Colts passer Daniel Jones and Green Bay Packers backup Malik Willis.

The Browns could choose to address the quarterback spot early in the 2026 NFL draft, as they hold the No. 6 overall pick. They also own the rights to the Jacksonville Jaguars' first-round selection.

Veteran Deshaun Watson is reportedly a candidate to start for Cleveland next season as well.

Meanwhile, Sanders will be looking to take a step forward in his sophomore year. The 2025 fifth-round pick didn't open the season atop the Browns' depth chart, but started in each of their final seven games of the year.

Sanders completed 59.2 percent of his throws for 1,353 yards and seven touchdowns compared to nine interceptions across that span.