The Cleveland Browns are predicted to have a new starting quarterback in 2026.
Cleveland has been looking for a franchise quarterback for quite some time. This offseason may be the one when they finally get aggressive. Although the Browns won’t be able to draft Fernando Mendoza, Cleveland could look to trade for a quarterback, draft one later on, or sign one.
Regardless, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler expects the Browns to take a swing for their franchise quarterback this offseason.
“I’m gonna say it’s somebody different in there, whether it’s a Malik Willis in free agency or take a swing on a Ty Simpson from Alabama in the draft, who some teams really like,” Fowler said on 92.3 The Fan. “I could see a different swing. I go back to the draft last year when they made the Travis Hunter trade. The idea was to load up on a draft that was supposed to be better at quarterback, (but) it doesn’t seem to be.
“You do the homework and maybe there is someone in the draft you love you can get, you have two first-round picks. There isn’t a lot in free agency, but if you like Malik Willis, and I know the Browns have done their homework on him, maybe it’s an option.”
Although the Browns have Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, and Dillon Gabriel all under contract for 2026, Fowler expects Cleveland to pursue a quarterback.
Browns Could Take Swing at Malik Willis
Although the 2026 NFL Draft isn’t loaded with quarterbacks, Fowler expects Cleveland to do plenty of work on Simpson.
Yet, the NFL insider also believes the Browns will be one of the teams that go after Willis in free agency to come in and compete for a starting job.
“Every year, there are six to eight teams that need a quarterback. I don’t know if all of them will be a fit for Malik Willis. … The Browns are in a position to take that kind of swing,” Fowler said. “He was coming out of college, very talented but very green. That is why he fell; he wasn’t ready, and Tennessee was a struggle.
“Green Bay got him and developed him. I was there at training camp, and he looked great. The Miami Dolphins could be a threat; they know him well.”
Willis showed flashes of being a legit NFL quarterback for the Packers last season when he replaced Jordan Love, who got injured. He finished the season going 30-of-35 for 422 yards and 3 touchdowns, while rushing for 123 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Cleveland Wouldn’t Commit to Shedeur Sanders
The Browns finished last season with Sanders as their starting quarterback, but he won’t be given the job in 2026.
At the year-end press conference, Browns general manager Andrew Berry said the team would look at all options at quarterback.
“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.”
So, expect the Browns to look add a quarterback whether it’s through the draft, free agency or a trade.
Browns Predicted to Make Bold ‘Swing’ at Quarterback in 2026