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The Cleveland Browns are heading into another offseason and need to regroup after a 5-12 campaign that led to the firing of head coach Kevin Stefanski on “Black Monday.”
But while filling that vacancy will be at the top of the priority list for general manager Andrew Berry, reporters were also wondering what the team’s thought process is for the quarterback situation heading into 2026.
More specifically, what does Berry have in mind for Shedeur Sanders, the polarizing rookie who started the final seven games for Cleveland and finished with a 3-4 record?
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Cleveland Browns Executive Vice President, Football Operations and General Manager Andrew Berry watches a drill during Cleveland Browns training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on July 29, 2025 in Berea, Ohio. (Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
During his season-ending press conference on Monday, Berry was noncommittal when talking about Sanders.
“We’re going to do our job in the quarterback market,” Berry responded, according to the New York Post. “It’s too important a position and it’s something that has to be solidified.”
After another mediocre season, it’s only fair that Berry wants to evaluate everything, including the quarterback position, as he heads into another important offseason. The Browns’ new head coach hire will also have a say in which quarterback will be in his place for Week 1 in September.
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“I can’t sit here and tell you today whether the solution or the starter in 2026 is internal or external. But it’s something we’re going to work on over the next few weeks. And, honestly, the new head coach will have a lot to contribute to that as well.”
The quarterback position in Cleveland received national attention after the Browns selected Sanders in the fifth round (he was a projected first-round pick who surprisingly fell to Day 3 in the 2025 NFL Draft) and Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel in the third round.
Veteran Joe Flacco was Stefanski’s Week 1 starter. But after Flacco was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals, Gabriel was the Browns’ next man up. Gabriel, however, was unsuccessful in his six games as a starter, going 1-5 in his time as QB1.
After a concussion, Sanders took over and remained in place after winning his first career start against the Las Vegas Raiders. He threw for 1,400 yards with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his seven starts, while completing 56.6% of his throws.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders warms up before a game against the San Francisco 49ers on Nov. 30, 2025, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Heading into the 2026 season, the Browns also have Deshaun Watson under contract, and the embattled quarterback is expected to return, according to Berry.
The Browns have the sixth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and could select a quarterback there.
With all of these different factors, Sanders is in the mix as a potential Week 1 starter next season, but he’ll have to earn that spot.
“I would say quarterback is the most important position in sports,” Berry added. “We all know that. And part of the equation with quarterback is the evaluation part. Part of it is also the development part. It’s the most important part. It’s the hardest position to play.
“It may take time, but that’s the focus: solidifying that position. That’s the most important thing that can lead to sustainable success. That’s the No. 1 priority. How we’re going to accomplish that with the combination of internal options, outside veteran options, the draft, that remains to be seen. But the No. 1 priority is finding the leader of the organization. That’s what we’re focused on in the short term.”
Andrew Berry, executive vice president of football operations and general manager of the Cleveland Browns, before an NFL preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Huntington Bank Field on August 23, 2025 in Cleveland. (Nick Cammett/Diamond Images)
Berry said he saw promising development from Sanders in his first season in the NFL.
“I think we saw a lot of progress with Shedeur this year. I think that’s both mentally and physically and playing the position. He’s still a work in progress, as a lot of rookie quarterbacks are,” Berry said.
