The Cleveland Browns put themselves in an interesting position with the Week 17 win versus the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Browns no longer have a shot at the first overall pick and can now finish within a six-selection range depending on a variety of outcomes in Week 18. Given the competition, Cleveland is unlikely to be slotted with a top two or three pick to be in position to draft a top-flight quarterback.
A trade up, a trade down, or just building the roster around QB Shedeur Sanders with the picks that they have are now the options.
While the Browns won in Week 17, Sanders was not the reason for the outcome. Some solid early play gave way to some struggles once TE Harold Fannin Jr. left with an injury. Sanders’ fatal flaw continues to be evident in games.
Sanders’ final stat line (17/23, 186 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs) was not impressive, but former NFL QB Chase Daniel saw “major strides” from Cleveland’s QB in Week 17:
As Daniel notes, given where the Browns are going to be picking in the 2026 NFL draft order, the team will have an interesting decision to make at quarterback. Daniel also notes the head coach position but if Sanders is developing under HC Kevin Stefanski and the team is sticking with their current rookie QB, a new coach may not make sense.
Daniel’s analysis is the difference between looking at outcomes versus looking at processes. The former quarterback sees development in the process, where many others either don’t see development in the process or the outcomes.
In the end, all that matters is what those in charge of the Cleveland Browns think of Shedeur Sanders. For now, the jury is out because no verdict is needed. NFL free agency, trades, and the 2026 NFL draft could change things quickly.
