The Cleveland Browns are adding at least one quarterback this offseason to push Shedeur Sanders in training camp, if not to take his starting job outright, and the hiring of Todd Monken as the new head coach offers a good deal of insight into what type of signal-caller the new addition(s) will be.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN noted during an interview with ESPN Cleveland on Wednesday, January 28 that the Browns are going to beef up the quarterback room, mentioning two players in particular.
“I don’t think it was a matter of, ‘Hey, I wanna work with Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel,’ although I think Todd can help get the best out of those guys,” Fowler said of Monken taking the job. “I expect the Browns to add there, whether it’s trying to swing a trade, or like a Malik Willis-type in free agency, or investing in the draft in Ty Simpson of Alabama. There are options out there, even if it seems somewhat bleak. So I expect that shakeup to happen in some regard.”
Ty Simpson’s Skill Set Matches Todd Monken’s Quarterback Preferences
GettyAlabama quarterback Ty Simpson.
Willis is a nice option, though relatively unproven and likely to be more far more expensive in free agency on his second NFL contract than Simpson will be as a late-first or early-second-round pick.
Simpson showed the mobility that Monken has consistently talked about as perhaps the most necessary skill from the QB position for an elite offense to function.
“There are more and more athletic quarterbacks. There’s more spread,” Monken said as he was joining the Baltimore Ravens in 2023 to take over OC duties in a Lamar Jackson-led offense, per Cleveland.com. “And the more spread you are and the more empty you are, it’s more fun if your guy is athletic. He can get you out of trouble. He can buy yards.”
Browns Likely to Consider Drafting Ty Simpson if He Falls to Pick No. 24
GettyAlabama quarterback Ty Simpson.
Simpson, 23, wasn’t a prolific rusher of the football in 2025, gaining 93 yards and scoring two TDs. However, it’s less about his specific production and more about the potential he possesses.
“Simpson’s pocket maneuverability is among the best of any passer in this year’s class. He is also an underrated athlete who can make things happen outside of structure,” ESPN’s Jordan Reid wrote January 24. “Of his 30 total touchdowns this season (28 passing, two rushing), seven came when Simpson was outside of the pocket. He’s savvy with recognizing and adjusting to pre-snap looks.”
Simpson also led the SEC in pass attempts (473) and completions (305), which equates to a 64.5 percent completion rate. He tallied 3,567 passing yards and 28 TDs against just five INTs. His experience is a concern, with just 15 starts at the collegiate level. However, his age should help with his maturity.
The real question for Cleveland is where, if anywhere, can it find the appropriate value to select Simpson in the upcoming draft? Several analysts have linked Simpson to the Los Angeles Rams, who hold pick Nos. 13 and 29 in the upcoming draft. The Browns also hold two firsts at Nos. 6 and 24.
Cleveland desperately needs help on the offensive line and in the wide receiver room, and No. 6 is too high for Simpson based on his pre-draft grades. Some analysts expect the Rams to reach for Simpson at No. 13, while others have speculated the Pittsburgh Steelers could be interested at No. 21.
Should Simpson fall below those markers, the Browns are likely to at least strongly consider him with the 24th pick given that Monken’s quarterback preferences as their new head coach.
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