The Cleveland Browns are entering the 2026 season with a big question mark at quarterback. With no clear starter named yet, Shedeur Sanders has a shot at securing the role, but nothing is set in stone.
Sanders had flashes of brilliance during his rookie season in 2025, showing confidence and making some impressive plays. However, he hasn’t quite locked down the starting position, leaving the Browns in a bit of a quandary as they seek stability under center.
There’s buzz that Cleveland might be contemplating a bold move. Rumors are swirling about the possibility of trading Sanders and pursuing a new quarterback to lead the offense.
A suggestion from FanSided’s Austen Bundy has added fuel to the fire, proposing that the Browns consider trading for JJ McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings. According to Bundy, “McCarthy still has a lot of upside and Cleveland needs a long-term solution at passer.”
With Deshaun Watson eventually moving on, and neither Sanders nor Dillon Gabriel stepping up decisively, the Browns are exploring their options.
McCarthy’s situation with the Vikings is uncertain. After a challenging 2025 season, he’s facing increased competition with Kyler Murray joining the team and Carson Wentz returning after a solid performance in limited action last year. This puts additional pressure on McCarthy, who could find himself slipping down the depth chart if things don’t go his way in training camp.
For McCarthy, a move to Cleveland could be a fresh start. At just 23, he has plenty of potential, and a new team and system might be what he needs to thrive.
From the Browns’ perspective, acquiring McCarthy wouldn’t be overly risky. It would provide a young quarterback with the opportunity to develop while addressing the uncertainty surrounding Sanders.
In addition to quarterback considerations, the Browns have taken steps to bolster their offense by acquiring Tytus Howard from the Houston Texans in exchange for a fifth-round pick. This move aims to enhance protection and support Sanders' development.
While nothing is set in stone and the team hasn’t made any official announcements, these discussions indicate that the Browns are keeping their options open at quarterback. The coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the future of their offense.