The Cleveland Browns are heading into the NFL offseason with ongoing uncertainty surrounding their quarterback position. The recent inclusion of rookie Shedeur Sanders in the Pro Bowl has intensified discussions rather than resolving them.
Sanders earned his spot as a replacement player, stepping in after other quarterbacks became unavailable. This selection has sparked considerable criticism, particularly since it came ahead of several performers who delivered more consistent campaigns and helped guide their squads to postseason berths, including Trevor Lawrence and Bo Nix.
Across eight games, with seven as the starter, Sanders connected on 56.6% of his throws, accumulating 1,400 passing yards alongside seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. His yards per attempt stood at 6.6, while his passer rating of 68.1 and QBR of 18.9 placed him among the league’s lowest marks in those categories.
These underwhelming numbers have contributed to widespread skepticism about Sanders’ readiness to anchor the position long-term, despite the Pro Bowl recognition. The honor, viewed by many as more ceremonial than merit-based in this instance, has only amplified calls for a more reliable option under center.
A recent radio discussion has added fresh fuel to the ongoing conversation about potential solutions. On 92.3 The Fan, hosts Jeff Phelps and Andy Baskin advocated strongly for the Browns to make a serious push to acquire Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud via trade. They suggested Cleveland should be prepared to part with their No. 24 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft to make it happen.
“I’d give up the No. 24 pick in a heartbeat for C.J. Stroud,” Phelps said, while Baskin said he would be “more tempted to give up No. 24 than I would No. 6.”
At just 24 years old, Stroud is preparing for his fourth professional season. He has already steered the Texans into the playoffs in each of his initial three years as the primary quarterback, demonstrating early success that stands in stark contrast to Cleveland’s recent struggles.
Selected second overall in the 2023 draft, Stroud quickly made an impact by claiming Offensive Rookie of the Year accolades and earning a Pro Bowl selection. He directed Houston to consecutive 10-7 records followed by a 12-5 mark in 2025, showcasing his ability to elevate a team.
Stroud continues to play under the terms of his initial four-year, $36.3 million rookie deal with the Texans. Regarded broadly as one of the NFL’s rising talents at the position, he has faced some scrutiny over occasional inconsistencies, which has prompted occasional speculation about his future availability.
Landing Stroud would offer the Browns a significant step forward in terms of experience and on-field results. It would provide the kind of dependable, ready-to-contribute presence that supporters in Cleveland have long desired, potentially stabilizing an offense that has lacked direction.
Nevertheless, the price tag attached to such a move would be substantial. The No. 24 pick represents meaningful value for addressing other roster needs through the draft. Beyond that, securing Stroud would eventually require the Browns to negotiate a lucrative extension as his rookie contract nears its end, adding another layer of financial and strategic consideration to the equation.
As the offseason unfolds, the Browns face a pivotal decision on how aggressively to address their quarterback situation.
Whether they opt to build around Sanders, explore other avenues, or pursue a high-profile trade like the one for Stroud remains a central storyline that will shape their competitiveness moving forward.
