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Browns QB Battle: Sanders Emerges as a Low-Risk Option

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, February 17th 2026 at 17:18 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Ohio, Colorado, Louisiana, Florida, UNITED STATES

Analyzing the Competition

The current landscape of Browns quarterback contenders paints a picture of limited certainty. Dorian Thompson-Robinson, while having some experience within the organization, has yet to demonstrate the consistency needed to be a reliable starting quarterback. His struggles to make a significant impact raise concerns about his potential to elevate the Browns' offense. Justin Fields, formerly of the Chicago Bears, presents a more established, albeit flawed, option. Fields possesses demonstrable talent, including a strong arm and rushing ability, but his inconsistency and tendency to turn the ball over have been persistent issues throughout his career. These limitations have made him a less-than-ideal solution for a team seeking a long-term answer.

The most conventional - and currently favored by many analysts - solution remains a rookie quarterback acquired through the NFL Draft. Listed at +800, a draft pick represents the potential for securing a young, developing talent who can be molded to fit the Browns' system. However, the draft is always a gamble, and there are no guarantees of finding a franchise quarterback.

The Shedeur Sanders Factor

Sanders' emergence as the frontrunner is fueled by a strong performance at the HBCU combine, showcasing his arm talent, accuracy, and composure under pressure. While playing at the HBCU level presents a different competitive landscape than the NFL, Sanders' skill set is undeniable. He is a polished passer with good mechanics and a quick release. More importantly, he demonstrates a high football IQ and a natural ability to read defenses.

However, Sanders is still an unproven commodity at the professional level. The leap from college football, even a successful one, to the NFL is significant. He will need to adapt to the speed, complexity, and physicality of the league. Concerns will inevitably arise about his ability to withstand the pressures of NFL defenses and consistently make accurate throws against elite competition.

The appeal of Sanders likely lies in his potential upside and the relatively low cost of acquiring him as a free agent. If the Browns believe he can develop into a starter, it represents a low-risk, high-reward proposition. The team also has the benefit of evaluating Sanders during training camp and preseason before committing to him as the starter. This allows them to assess his progress and determine if he is truly ready to lead the offense.

The Browns' Strategic Outlook

Despite Sanders' rising odds, the most probable course of action for the Browns remains the draft. The Browns will likely prioritize finding a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, potentially using a high draft pick to secure a top prospect. This approach offers the most control over the long-term development of the position. However, the team should also seriously evaluate Sanders, and potentially bring him in as competition, or as a backup, to the drafted player.

Cleveland's front office faces a delicate balancing act. They need to address the immediate need for a capable starting quarterback while also planning for the future. The team's success in the coming years will hinge on making the right decisions at this critical position. Whether that decision leads them to a draft pick, a free agent gamble on Shedeur Sanders, or a combination of both, remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the Browns' quarterback situation is one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the 2026 season.