Latest Rumors on Browns QB Plans Around Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, NFL Draft

The Cleveland Browns' quarterback room for next season could consist of Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson to go along with a Day 2 or Day 3 pick in the 2026 NFL draft, according to Zac Jackson of The Athletic.

"Early signs point to Sanders getting to compete for the job, Watson being stuck on the roster and another quarterback addition in the middle rounds of the draft," Jackson reported Tuesday.

Cleveland is preparing for the 2026 draft while also searching for a new head coach after Kevin Stefanski was fired on Jan. 5.

Dillon Gabriel also remains on the Browns' roster, but Jackson noted that it's "hard to imagine" the team keeping both Gabriel and Sanders after selecting the two quarterbacks in the 2025 draft.

Watson didn't play during the 2025 season while recovering from Achilles surgery.

ESPN's Adam Schefter previously reported that Cleveland planned to keep the veteran on its roster next season, as cutting him before June 1 would result in a dead cap charge of close to $135 million. The Browns would also take on a $53 million cap charge if Watson were designated as a post-June 1 release.

Cleveland holds the No. 6 overall pick in the 2026 draft, but isn't in the projected range of top quarterback prospects such as Indiana's Fernando Mendoza and Oregon's Dante Moore.

The Browns also own the No. 24 pick and could package their selections in an attempt to trade up, but they may be content to stand pat and bring in a signal-caller later in the draft process to compete with Sanders and Watson.

Sanders started the final seven games of the regular season for Cleveland, completing 56.6 percent of his throws for 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns compared to 10 interceptions. He also rushed for 169 yards and a score.