Cleveland Browns’ Quarterback Situation in 2026

The Cleveland Browns are facing one of the most challenging quarterback situations in the NFL as they prepare for the 2026 season. This issue is likely to be a top priority for the team’s next head coach, who will need to address it quickly. However, the Browns have yet to finalize their coaching search, with two names emerging as strong contenders: Grant Udinski, the offensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Nate Scheelhaase, the pass game coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams.

Both candidates are expected to bring fresh perspectives to the organization, but neither has any direct ties to the current quarterbacks on the roster. The Browns are currently managing a group that includes second-year players Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, along with veteran Deshaun Watson, who is entering the final year of his contract in 2026. While Watson is still under contract, the team is essentially playing out the string with him, and Gabriel may be available for trade this spring, especially if Kirk Cousins decides not to stay with the new Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski.

Sanders has shown promise during training camp and could earn a chance to compete for the starting job. However, it’s unlikely the Browns will stop there. The team might look to add another quarterback or even two to challenge Sanders for the top spot on the depth chart. A rookie could be a possibility, particularly if they draft in the first or second rounds at picks No. 24 or No. 39, respectively.

According to ESPN’s Jordan Reid, Fernando Mendoza is the only quarterback prospect with higher value than these picks. Another option in the late first-early second round range could be Ty Simpson from Alabama. Alternatively, Cleveland might consider using the No. 39 pick as part of a trade to acquire Mac Jones from the San Francisco 49ers.

49ers Have Leverage in Mac Jones Trade Talks

Mac Jones, a former first-round selection by the New England Patriots in 2021, signed a two-year contract with the 49ers this year after being released as a starter and spending the 2024 season as a backup in Jacksonville. His performance last season was crucial for the 49ers, as he led them to a 5-3 record while stepping in for an injured Brock Purdy. Jones completed 69.6% of his passes for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions.

Jones has one year left on his $8.4 million contract, and head coach Kyle Shanahan has publicly stated that the 49ers are not interested in getting rid of good players. “We’re also not into getting rid of good players,” Shanahan said recently. “I’d be very surprised if Mac wasn’t around us next year.”

Despite this, the need for starting-caliber quarterbacks across the league and the lack of QB1 options in free agency and the draft give the 49ers leverage in any trade negotiations. Jones isn’t worth a second-round pick straight up, but the 49ers might be able to secure more than Cleveland’s No. 70 overall pick in the third round if they shop him.

Mac Jones, Pick Swap Could Get Trade Done Between Browns, 49ers

The 49ers might prefer keeping a quality backup behind Purdy rather than accepting an early third-round pick in a division that owns both spots in the upcoming NFC Championship Game between the Seattle Seahawks and Rams. However, Jones is likely to leave for a solid contract and a chance to start elsewhere in the 2027 free agency cycle. Therefore, the Niners would benefit from securing something of value for him now.

A potential deal could involve swapping Jones and the No. 127 overall pick in Round 4 to the Browns in exchange for the No. 39 pick in Round 2. This kind of agreement could create a happy medium and provide value on both sides.