So, you’re looking at the Cleveland Browns and trying to figure out who’s actually taking the snaps these days. Honestly, I don't blame you. It's been a total whirlwind in Northeast Ohio lately. Between the injuries, the massive contracts, and the rookie emergence, the depth chart looks like a game of musical chairs played on a moving train.
Basically, as of early 2026, the man in the spotlight is Shedeur Sanders.
Yeah, you read that right. The kid from Colorado—"Prime Time’s" son—ended the 2025 season as the guy for Cleveland. But if you’re looking for a simple "one-and-done" answer, you’re not going to find it here because the Browns' quarterback situation is anything but simple. It’s a mix of a rookie trying to prove he’s the future and a $230 million veteran who is, quite literally, the most expensive backup in the history of professional sports.
Who is Quarterback for Cleveland Browns Right Now?
Let's look at the actual names on the roster because it’s a weird room. Following a chaotic 2025 season where Kevin Stefanski was eventually let go after a 5-12 finish, the quarterback room has three main faces:
- Shedeur Sanders: The rookie (a fifth-round steal, believe it or not) took over the starting job in Week 12 of the 2025 season.
- Dillon Gabriel: Another 2025 rookie who actually started early on but lost time due to a concussion.
- Deshaun Watson: The elephant in the room. He spent the 2025 season on the sidelines after a second Achilles surgery but is still under that massive guaranteed contract.
The Rise of Shedeur Sanders
Nobody really expected a fifth-round pick to be the answer to "who is quarterback for Cleveland Browns" by December. But Sanders stepped in when the team was reeling. He finished the season with an 3-5 record as a starter. That might not sound like much, but in Cleveland, it’s a glimmer of hope.
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He finished the year with about 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns. The interceptions (he had 10) are definitely a problem. But he showed something that Cleveland hasn’t seen in a while: a big arm and a weirdly calm pocket presence. He actually led a game-winning drive against the Bengals to close out the season. Watching him, you can see the "it" factor, even if he still holds onto the ball way too long and takes sacks he shouldn't.
The Deshaun Watson Financial Nightmare
We have to talk about Deshaun Watson. If you're a Browns fan, you probably don't want to, but it's the reality. The team is enters 2026 in the final year of that $230 million fully guaranteed deal.
The GM, Andrew Berry, basically admitted in his January press conference that Watson will likely be on the roster in 2026. Why? Because cutting him would basically bankrupt the team's salary cap. It’s a "swing and a miss," as owner Jimmy Haslam reportedly called it. Watson actually started practicing again in December 2025, but the team never activated him.
Insiders like Mary Kay Cabot have noted that Watson looked sharp in those practices—the ball was coming out well—but the trust just isn't there anymore. He’s 9-10 as a starter in Cleveland. That’s the definition of mediocre for a guy making that much money.
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Is there a QB Competition Coming?
The short answer: Yes.
With a new head coach coming in (names like John Harbaugh and Mike McDaniel are being floated around), the 2026 training camp is going to be a bloodbath. Shedeur Sanders has the momentum. He’s cheap, he’s young, and the fans actually like him. Watson has the contract and the veteran experience.
Berry has already said the team will "do work" on the quarterback market this offseason. That means they might even draft another one or bring in a veteran bridge. Honestly, being a Browns fan requires a very specific type of mental fortitude.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Browns QB Room
A lot of national media keeps saying the Browns are "stuck." While the cap situation is a mess, the emergence of Sanders and Dillon Gabriel actually gives them options they didn't have a year ago.
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- Sanders isn't just a "name": People thought he was just a marketing ploy. He’s not. He’s a legitimate NFL-caliber processor who just needs a better offensive line.
- The "Flacco" Factor is gone: Remember Joe Flacco’s magic run? He actually came back to Cleveland briefly in 2025 before being traded to the Bengals. That era is officially over.
- The coaching change matters: Whoever takes over for Stefanski gets to decide the fate of Sanders vs. Watson. If they hire a guy like Harbaugh, he’s going to want total control. He might not care about Watson's contract; he'll play whoever wins the games.
What’s Next for the Browns Quarterback Situation?
If you're trying to keep track of this for your fantasy team or just for Sunday bragging rights, here is what you need to watch for over the next few months:
The Head Coach Hire
This is the big one. If the Browns hire an offensive guru like Mike McDaniel, expect them to lean heavily into Shedeur Sanders’ mobility and arm talent. If they go with a "toughness" guy like Jim Schwartz or a veteran like Mike McCarthy, they might try to "reclaim" Deshaun Watson one last time to save face on the trade.
The NFL Draft (April 2026)
The Browns have the No. 6 overall pick. Do they take a guy like Ty Simpson? Or do they use that pick to protect Shedeur? If they take a QB in the first round, the Shedeur Sanders era might be shorter than we think.
Free Agency (March 2026)
Keep an eye on the "bridge" market. If they sign someone like Sam Darnold or another veteran, it tells you they don't think Sanders or Watson is ready to lead a playoff charge yet.
Basically, the answer to who is quarterback for Cleveland Browns is Shedeur Sanders for now, but the ink is definitely not dry on that depth chart. It’s a developing story that will probably change three more times before the 2026 kickoff.
Actionable Next Steps
- Follow the Coaching Search: The new coach’s offensive philosophy will tell you everything you need to know about who starts Week 1.
- Monitor Watson's Health: If he stays healthy through the spring, the trade rumors (however unlikely) will start up again.
- Watch Sanders' Tape: Go back and look at those last two wins against the Raiders and Bengals. That’s the blueprint for the 2026 Browns offense.
- Check the Cap: Look for "restructuring" news on Watson's deal; it's the only way the team can afford to put weapons around whoever is under center.