In 2026, the Cleveland Browns find themselves once again on the hunt for a starting quarterback. It's a familiar storyline for the Browns faithful, but this time there's a twist in the tale.
General Manager Andrew Berry had the foresight to make a strategic draft-day trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars last year, securing an extra first-round pick for this year’s draft. However, the Browns' late-season wins and the Jaguars' playoff run have left those picks lower than anticipated.
Adding to the challenge is a 2026 draft class that, outside of the standout Fernando Mendoza, isn't exactly brimming with quarterback talent. This might lead Berry to focus on strengthening other areas of the offense in the first round. But the draft is a multi-day affair, and if the Browns are feeling bold on Day 2, Miami's Carson Beck could be a name to watch.
Carson Beck: A Closer Look
- Position: Quarterback
- Height/Weight: 6-foot-5, 233 pounds
- College: Miami Hurricanes
2025 Stats:
- 16 games
- 72.4% completion rate
- 3,813 passing yards
- 30 touchdowns
- 12 interceptions
- 157.0 quarterback rating
Career Stats:
- 55 games
- 69.5% completion rate
- 11,725 passing yards
- 88 touchdowns
- 32 interceptions
- 156.6 quarterback rating
Beck is currently projected around the fourth round, but some experts see him as a potential third-round pick with starter capabilities.
Expert Opinions
Lance Zierlein from NFL.com highlights Beck's NFL-ready size and wealth of experience, noting his journey through ups and downs, including a recovery from 2024 UCL surgery. While Beck's deep ball velocity has waned, his ability to work through progressions and throw with anticipation is solid.
However, he occasionally loses sight of safeties, leading to risky throws. Beck's decision-making has matured, but pressure can still trigger old habits.
He’s seen as a promising backup with starting potential, provided he hones his game-management skills.
Todd McShay from The Ringer praises Beck's mechanics, particularly his quick release and ability to fit throws into tight spaces. Despite some streaky ball placement, Beck's confidence grew at Miami with a strong supporting cast.
His mobility remains a concern, as does his tendency to hold onto the ball too long under pressure. McShay sees Beck as a high-end backup with potential to start, drawing comparisons to players like Tanner McKee and Aiden O’Connell.
Browns' Potential Fit
Beck’s experience is appealing, especially with his history under the watchful eye of Browns head coach Todd Monken from their days at Georgia. Although Beck wasn't the starter then, Monken's familiarity with him could be advantageous.
However, consistency is the big question mark. Beck has shown he can deliver in clutch moments, but he's also had his share of costly errors. The Browns will need to weigh whether his potential upside can balance out those occasional missteps.
Should the Browns opt to draft a quarterback, it could signal changes for their current roster, potentially impacting players like Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. The quarterback carousel in Cleveland continues, but perhaps Beck could be the one to finally bring some stability.