The Cleveland Browns might have drafted Shedeur Sanders, but don’t be fooled — they’re already thinking ahead. While Sanders garners headlines and divides the fanbase with his celebrity presence at training camp, insiders say the Browns are quietly laying the groundwork for their true quarterback future. With Deshaun Watson’s career hanging by a thread and two first-round picks lined up for 2026, Cleveland’s front office has its sights set on a bigger prize — and names like Cade Klubnik and Arch Manning are already being whispered behind closed doors.
Since returning to Cleveland in 1999, the Browns have only had four winning seasons. Without a doubt, it’s a team that has done things wrong and seems stuck in a dead end after a string of terrible decisions – the latest being giving away Baker Mayfield and paying Deshaun Watson $230 million, who has been a complete disaster.
Last season, the Cleveland Browns began the year with Deshaun Watson, Jameis Winston, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and Bailey Zappe. Today, three of them are gone, and Watson – the only one remaining – suffered two Achilles tendon injuries, making it very unlikely that he’ll ever play again wearing a Browns jersey.
This season, in free agency, the Cleveland Browns signed Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett. Additionally, in the draft, they selected rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. The latter has completely polarized the Browns’ training camp because of the media figure he is.
In 2026, according to an insider, the Cleveland Browns will return to the quarterback market
The Browns finished with a 3-14 record, and if they end up with that same record again – which is highly likely given their tough schedule – they’ll be in range to draft a good quarterback prospect next year. It’s also worth noting they hold the Jacksonville Jaguars’ first-round pick, meaning they’ll have two first-round selections.
The next draft class will feature a lot of quarterback talent, possibly led by Arch Manning – if he declares himself eligible. Other important names include Drew Allar from Penn State and Cade Klubnik from Clemson.
ESPN analyst Matt Miller, in a mock draft, placed Cade Klubnik with the Cleveland Browns as the number one overall pick.
“Using two picks on quarterbacks in 2025 – Dillon Gabriel (third round) and Shedeur Sanders (fifth round) – shouldn’t stop the Browns from pursuing a long-term passer here,” Miller wrote. “Klubnik reminds me of Baker Mayfield – whom Cleveland selected with the first pick in 2018 – in terms of arm strength, mobility, and playmaking ability.”
Cade Klubnik had a great season last year, leading Clemson to an ACC Championship. The Austin native threw for 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns, and only six interceptions – and he’s starting to win over the Cleveland Browns.
