The Cleveland Browns have not come any closer to solving their decades-long quarterback conundrum this season, and that uncertainty could set the stage for a significant reshuffling of the room this offseason.
That could extend to rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. A report from NFL insider Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports indicated that teams around the league are keeping a close eye on Cleveland, watching to see whether either young quarterback might become available with the situation still unsettled and the Browns holding two first-round selections. Complicating matters further, Deshaun Watson recently returned to practice, adding yet another layer to a quarterback picture that remains far from settled heading into 2025.
“Watson will be unmovable while Gabriel and Sanders will be entering their second seasons. Some league sources have wondered if Cleveland would look to deal one of them come next season,” Jones said. “And then there’s the unknown quarterback for Cleveland, someone who is currently playing in college who the Browns can draft using the capital gained from the Travis Hunter trade. In the latest mock draft from CBS Sports’ Mike Renner, that quarterback was Alabama’s Ty Simpson.”
Browns Likey to Start Shedeur Sanders Rest of Year
Watson being on the roster next year appears to be a foregone conclusion due to his fully guaranteed $230 million contract. He returned to practice this week for the first time in over a year and the Browns will weigh the next few weeks whether or not he’s ready to be added to the active roster.
However, even if activated, Watson is unlikely to get a chance to start a game this season. Cleveland is focused on evaluating its rookie passers to get a clearer picture of their future at quarterback with an important draft looming.
Gabriel took over for Joe Flacco in October, going 1-5 in his starts and not proving he could be a long-term option. The former college star looked more like a game-manager, passing for just 937 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions.
Sanders is heading into his third start this week. He’s gone 1-1 and has provided a few more explosive plays for the Browns, although he’s still looking for consistency. Sanders is expected to start the rest of the season, barring an injury or significant regression in play.
Deshaun Watson Potential Bridge Option for Browns
If Watson doesn’t see the field this season, his best-case outlook may shift to next season. His role projects less as a long-term answer and more as a bridge starter, logging a few games while the Browns ease in a potential first-round rookie.
“The plan was always for Watson to practice if he was cleared medically. He’s worked tirelessly on his rehab, and earned the right to test his progress on the field. The Browns also want to see what he looks like to help inform plans for the 2026 draft, when they have two first-round picks in what’s expected to be a strong QB class,” Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com said recently. “If the Browns draft their quarterback of the future, they might still want a veteran to start for at least a few games until the rookie is ready. They need to know if Watson can be that bridge QB.”
As it stands, the Browns are not “focused” on Watson getting on the field any time soon.
“Really not my focus. Not his focus, right this minute,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said. “His focus is putting a helmet on again for the first time, shoulder pads, throwing a football.”
The Browns face the Tennessee Titans in Week 14 and are a slight favorite.
