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Browns Keep Quarterback Options Open for 2026 as Mac Jones Trade Looks Unlikely

Cleveland plans to let the next head coach help steer the decision following a rookie year of weak efficiency from Shedeur Sanders.

Overview

  • GM Andrew Berry praised Sanders’ growth but said the team will evaluate the full quarterback market and would not commit to an internal starter for 2026.
  • 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch indicated they expect Mac Jones to stay, signaling any trade would be costly and unlikely.
  • Cleveland enters the offseason with Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, and Dillon Gabriel under contract, with Watson’s massive deal limiting roster flexibility.
  • The Browns hold picks No. 6 and No. 24, with analysts split between drafting a quarterback and using the capital on help such as OT Spencer Fano and WR Zachariah Branch.
  • The head-coach search continues with reported second interviews for Nathan Scheelhaase, Grant Udinski, and Jim Schwartz, and at least one NFL executive doubts Sanders will be the unquestioned QB1.