There’s no sugarcoating it: Shedeur Sanders had a rough outing in Chicago. Three picks, just 177 yards on 18-of-35 passing, and a 31-3 loss that felt even worse than the score suggests. For a Browns team already eliminated from playoff contention and sitting at 3-11, the questions about the future of the quarterback position are getting louder-and more complicated.
But according to longtime Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot, the organization might not be ready to move on from Sanders just yet. Speaking on “The Dawgs - A Cleveland Browns Podcast,” Cabot shared that there's a growing sense within the building that the team could stick with the young quarterback despite the struggles.
“I just have a feeling that they're going to analyze the whole thing and decide they want to move forward with him,” Cabot said. “I can't say for sure yet, but it sort of has that vibe. Feels like it's almost kind of trending in that direction.”
That’s a notable statement considering the Browns are currently holding the No. 4 overall pick in next year’s draft-prime territory to land one of the top quarterback prospects. And with Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza fresh off a Heisman-winning season and climbing up draft boards, the temptation to hit the reset button under center is very real.
Mendoza has been projected as a top selection in multiple mock drafts, and his name is already being linked to Cleveland by analysts and draft simulators alike. Pro Football Focus’ latest mock has the Browns selecting Mendoza in the first round, a move that would clearly signal a new direction at quarterback.
But not everyone’s convinced Cleveland will stay at No. 4.
ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay believes the Browns should be aggressive-very aggressive. On “The McShay Show,” he floated the idea of Cleveland trading up to the No. 1 overall pick to land their next franchise quarterback.
“I personally think the most reasonable (team to trade up), given these circumstances, would be Cleveland going from (No. 4) to (No. 1),” McShay said.
McShay also raised some eyebrows with comments about the future of the Browns’ leadership. He questioned whether general manager Andrew Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski would even be back next season, suggesting that changes could be coming at the top as well.
“I’ve seen others say, ‘Let’s give them time,’” McShay said. “I just don’t see it, especially if it’s the current regime. Although I would say the chances of both the general manager, Andrew Berry, and Kevin Stefanski, the head coach, being back are probably slim.”
That’s a lot of uncertainty for a franchise that’s already endured its fair share. But the Browns do have some flexibility.
Thanks to a trade with Jacksonville, they hold two first-round picks in the 2026 draft. That kind of draft capital gives them options-whether it’s moving up to grab a top QB, staying put and adding multiple impact players, or even building around Sanders if they believe he can still develop into the guy.
The final three games of the season-against the Bills, Steelers, and Bengals-won’t mean anything in the standings, but they could mean everything for the future of this team. For Sanders, it’s a chance to show growth, resilience, and maybe quiet some of the noise. For the front office, it’s an evaluation period that could shape the next five years.
The Browns are at a crossroads. Stick with a young, raw quarterback and hope he turns the corner, or swing big-again-for a new face of the franchise. One thing’s for sure: the decisions made over the next few months will define the next chapter in Cleveland.