The Cleveland Browns are exploring their options at quarterback, and it looks like they’re keeping all avenues open. With Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson in the mix, the Browns are considering adding another QB to the roster. The big question is whether they’ll make a move in the draft or pull the trigger on a trade.
One intriguing possibility comes from a proposal by Sports Illustrated’s Mark Morales-Smith. He suggests a trade that would bring San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones to Cleveland.
In this scenario, the Browns would send Dillon Gabriel and a 2026 third-round pick to the 49ers. This move could potentially secure a starting quarterback for Cleveland.
Morales-Smith points out, “We fully expect Sanders to be the Week 1 starter in Cleveland, but that doesn't mean he'll be the starter all season or even in October.” The idea here is that acquiring Jones could push Sanders to elevate his game during training camp. Plus, Jones would serve as a reliable backup plan if Sanders doesn’t meet expectations.
This strategy would keep Sanders as the future face of the franchise, while also adding a QB with starting experience to the depth chart. Outside of Watson, that’s something the Browns currently lack.
Jones, despite his ups and downs, has proven he can manage an offense effectively. The competition he’d bring could be just the motivation Sanders needs to thrive, making training camp and the early season all the more interesting.