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Browns Eye Shedeur Sanders as Potential Franchise QB

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, February 10th 2026 at 21:12 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Ohio, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, California, Colorado, UNITED STATES

Cleveland, OH - February 11th, 2026 - The Cleveland Browns appear poised to address their long-standing quarterback conundrum in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, with Colorado's Shedeur Sanders emerging as the overwhelming favorite to be their first-round selection. While veteran Deshaun Watson's performance has failed to live up to expectations since arriving in Cleveland, the Browns organization is actively looking towards the future, and experts believe Sanders represents that future.

The Browns' pursuit of consistent quarterback play has been a source of frustration for fans for decades. The carousel of signal callers has seen numerous hopefuls come and go, leaving a void in leadership and offensive consistency. Watson's hefty contract and underwhelming performance have only amplified the pressure to find a lasting solution. The front office seems to have accepted that Watson isn't the long-term answer, shifting the focus toward identifying and developing the next generation of Browns quarterbacks.

Sporting News' draft analysts are largely unified in their prediction: Shedeur Sanders. The son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, Shedeur has quickly gained notoriety for his impressive arm talent, accuracy, and poise under pressure. Scouts describe him as a naturally gifted passer with the ability to make all the throws necessary to succeed at the professional level. However, the Sanders name also comes with inherent scrutiny. Analysts acknowledge that the younger Sanders will face heightened expectations and constant comparisons to his father's illustrious career, but believe his talent is undeniable.

"Sanders possesses the physical tools and mental processing speed that NFL teams covet," states NFL Draft expert, Maria Sanchez. "He's not a perfect prospect - he needs to refine his decision-making at times - but his upside is immense. He has the potential to be a true franchise quarterback."

While Sanders is considered the top target, the Browns are also reportedly evaluating other potential prospects, most notably Oklahoma's Dillon Gabriel. Gabriel is projected to be available in the second or third round and is viewed as a viable backup option or a potential starter if Sanders doesn't pan out as expected. Unlike Sanders, Gabriel brings significant experience to the table, having played multiple seasons at the collegiate level. He's considered a dual-threat quarterback, capable of extending plays with his legs and making throws on the run.

"Gabriel is a seasoned player who understands the game," comments Browns' general manager, Mark Thompson in a recent press conference. "He's a smart, competitive quarterback who could provide valuable depth and potentially challenge for the starting role. He's a guy we're keeping a very close eye on."

The Browns' draft strategy likely hinges on how the draft board unfolds. If Sanders is available when they're on the clock, it's widely anticipated they will pounce. However, if another team jumps ahead and selects Sanders, the Browns are expected to explore trading down to acquire additional draft capital or targeting Gabriel, along with other available quarterbacks like Michael Penix Jr. and Jalen Milroe who are predicted to also be in contention.

Beyond the quarterback position, the Browns are also expected to address needs on the offensive line and at wide receiver in the draft. Protecting their future quarterback and providing him with reliable receiving targets will be crucial for offensive success. The team's offensive coordinator, Alex Van Pelt, is expected to play a key role in evaluating quarterback prospects and determining which player best fits his system.

The 2026 NFL Draft promises to be a pivotal moment for the Cleveland Browns. The selection of a franchise quarterback could finally end their decades-long search for stability at the most important position in football. While Shedeur Sanders is the current frontrunner, the Browns will undoubtedly explore all available options to ensure they select the best player to lead them to future success. The pressure is on, but hope is brewing in Cleveland as they prepare for a potentially transformative draft.