The Cleveland Browns enter the 2026 offseason facing ongoing uncertainty at the quarterback position. Their current roster features a trio of signal-callers—veteran Deshaun Watson, second-year player Dillon Gabriel, and fellow young quarterback Shedeur Sanders—all competing for the starting role under new head coach Todd Monken.
This crowded dynamic has left the team open to exploring additional options to solidify the spot.
Monken has emphasized that no decision on the starter is set in stone this early in the process. The Browns are actively considering ways to bolster the position, including potential moves in free agency and the upcoming NFL Draft.
With the club holding the No. 6 and No. 24 overall picks, they possess valuable capital to address the need if an appealing prospect becomes available.
One name generating discussion in connection to Cleveland is Alabama’s Ty Simpson, a standout quarterback prospect widely regarded as one of the top talents in the 2026 draft class. League consensus places him as the second-best quarterback available, trailing only Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, who is projected as a high first-round selection and potential No. 1 overall pick.
Simpson’s potential fit with the Browns extends beyond on-field skills, thanks to a longstanding personal tie to Monken. The Alabama product highlighted this relationship during his time at the NFL Scouting Combine.
“My dad and coach Monken go way back,” Simpson said. “They talk often. He texted him when he got the job and they’ve texted a little bit (since), so if I had the opportunity to play for the Browns, it would be a dream come true.”
This connection stems from Monken’s earlier coaching stops, including time at Southern Miss and later as offensive coordinator at Georgia, where he crossed paths with Simpson’s family during recruiting efforts. Simpson expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of reuniting under Monken’s guidance.
“I think I’d be in great hands with the team that they have and the organization, and then coach Monken, what he does with the quarterbacks and the offense is super quarterback-friendly and I think he’s going to coach me hard if I’m able to go there and I know he’s going to do it the right way.”
Simpson praised Monken’s track record of developing passers and creating schemes that support quarterbacks effectively. He views the Browns’ setup as an ideal environment for growth, particularly given the coach’s reputation for demanding yet constructive instruction.
If Cleveland were to select Simpson with one of their early picks, it would introduce fresh competition into an already competitive quarterback room. Such a move could significantly impact the trajectory of Shedeur Sanders, who was chosen in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Sanders spent his rookie season primarily as a backup through the first nine games before stepping in during Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens, following a concussion to Dillon Gabriel. He ultimately posted a 3-4 record in his starts, accumulating around 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. His passer rating ranked as the lowest among quarterbacks with at least 200 attempts that year, reflecting the challenges of his transition to the professional level.
While Sanders showed occasional promise in limited action, the Browns’ willingness to pursue upgrades underscores the high stakes at the position. Adding a highly touted prospect like Simpson could push everyone to elevate their performance or reshape the depth chart entirely.
As the draft approaches and free agency unfolds, the Browns’ quarterback situation remains one of the most intriguing storylines in the league. Monken’s vision for the offense, combined with the team’s draft assets, positions Cleveland to make a meaningful investment in the role that often defines franchise success.
Whether they stand pat with the current group or bring in new talent, the coming months will clarify the path forward for one of the NFL’s most scrutinized positions.
