The Cleveland Browns are planning on letting young quarterback Shedeur Sanders compete for the starting spot, along with troubled signal caller Deshaun Watson and another potential draft pick.

The Browns are in the middle of a new chapter under a new head coach, leaving plenty of questions about the franchise unanswered for the time being.

No position on the Browns is more up in the air than quarterback, the position that has long been a thorn in the side of the franchise.

Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco started the season as the starter before the organization moved on to rookie Dillion Gabriel, and then eventually gave Sanders a fair shake.

Out of Gabriel and Sanders, it was the former Colorado product that showed more promise and playmaking ability, even though there were a good deal of rookie mistakes.

The Athletic’s Zac Jackson broke down the Browns’ likely plan at quarterback, which will likely mean no key addition and a focus on building around the current group before swinging for 2027’s options.

“The Browns are more likely to restructure and keep Watson for one more year at an estimated 2026 salary-cap number of around $40 million rather than carry a number basically double that to cut him,” Jackson wrote.

“At pick No. 6 in the first round, the Browns likely will be left out of the top of what appears to be a thin quarterback class.

“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. There is a world in which the Browns either trade for Mac Jones, who has one year left on his deal, or package picks to move up in this draft.

“But, at least here in the first half of January, we’re viewing those options as less likely than a plan that includes giving Sanders a shot, giving another developmental rookie (or cast-off) a chance to eventually play and gearing up for a full-throttle chase in early 2027.”

Sanders played in eight games as a rookie, totally 1,400 yards passing with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions, leading to an 18.9 QBR.

While the metrics don’t paint a pretty picture, there were plenty of highlight throws that showcased his upside, and with a full offseason to grow and develop, he could become the player his supporters believe he can be.

Next year will be the defining season for Sanders, who should end up getting the starting nod if no other prominent name comes through the door.

If the new coach believes in him and Sanders takes the opportunity head-on, he could show the Browns enough for them to build around him or at least showcase his skills for another team down the road.