The Cleveland Browns are expected to explore every possible option at quarterback this offseason, but one rumored veteran solution appears unlikely to materialize.
Mac Jones has emerged as a popular target of speculation. The former New England Patriots first-round pick signed a two-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers last offseason and was pressed into action when Brock Purdy went down with an injury. Jones went 5-3 as a starter with San Francisco, throwing for 2,151 yards with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Despite the intrigue, acquiring Jones would require a trade — and that route does not currently appear to be a priority for Cleveland. According to Zac Jackson of The Athletic, the view on a deal for Jones is a less likely path compared to sticking with Shedeur Sanders.
“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,” Jackson wrote. “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.”
Browns Did Not Commit to Shedeur Sanders
If the Browns look for an internal solution, Sanders is the most likely option. He started the final seven games of the season, showing flashes of promise but delivering inconsistent results. He finished that stretch with 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry was complimentary of the progress that Sanders — a fifth-round pick — made this season.
“I think we saw a lot of progress with Shedeur this year. I think that’s both mentally, physically, playing the position,” Berry said. “He’s still very much a work in progress like many rookie quarterbacks are. But I think we saw some really good things in terms of his playmaking, his accuracy, his ability to extend them with his feet.”
However, Berry stopped short of backing Sanders as the starter moving forward.
“We’re going to do our work on the quarterback market,” Berry said. “It’s too important of a position and it’s something that has to be solidified. I can’t sit here and tell you today whether the solution for, or the starter in 2026 is internal or external. But it’s something that we’re going to work through over the next several weeks. And quite honestly, the new head coach will also have a lot of input into that as well.”
Deshaun Watson Likely Stuck With Browns
The Browns have Sanders, Dillon Gabriel and Deshaun Watson under contract for next season. Watson is expected to be healthy for the start of next year and could potentially be in the mix as a bridge option if the Browns draft a rookie passer.
Jackson believes Watson will stick around, largely because of the financial implications of his $230 million guaranteed contract.
“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 said. “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.”
Watson arrived in Cleveland in 2022 via a blockbuster trade. He’s gone 9-10 in his starts, passing for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Watson missed all of this season recovering from a pair of Achilles surgeries.
Browns Get Bad News on Trade for Potential Shedeur Sanders Replacement