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The excitement around Cleveland's quarterback room is real. The certainty is not.
Despite growing attention around Shedeur Sanders, the Cleveland Browns have not named a starting quarterback, and the coaching staff says the position will be decided through competition.
New offensive coordinator Travis Switzer addressed the situation this week, explaining that the team is still evaluating its options before settling on a QB1. The Browns added new voices and new pieces this offseason, and Switzer says he wants to see how everything fits together before making any decisions.
Comments shared by reporter Camryn Justice highlighted how the coaching staff is approaching the offense as a whole, not just the quarterback position. Switzer mentioned several players who could shape the attack, including wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, along with the quarterbacks currently competing for the role.
For fans hoping Cleveland had already chosen its starter, the message from the coaching staff was clear: the decision has not been made yet.
The Browns are letting the competition play out
At the center of the discussion are three quarterbacks: Shedeur Sanders, veteran Deshaun Watson, and rookie Dillon Gabriel.
Watson's name still carries weight in Cleveland's plans. Before joining the Browns, he established himself as one of the league's most productive quarterbacks and earned multiple Pro Bowl selections in the NFL.
His time in Cleveland, however, has been complicated by injuries and inconsistent results. That uncertainty has opened the door for other quarterbacks to push for playing time.
Sanders has drawn particular interest. The young quarterback showed flashes last season in limited action, which is part of the reason fans have been eager to see him take the next step.
But internally, the Browns appear to be taking a patient approach. Coaches see potential but also believe Sanders is still developing.
Switzer pointed out that Sanders only started a small number of games last season, leaving plenty of room for growth heading into his second year.
He's still young and there's a lot of growth that can happen from Year 1 to Year 2. I mean he only started what, six or seven games last year?
The numbers explain why Cleveland is still evaluating
The statistical picture from last season helps explain why the Browns are not rushing into a decision.
According to QB Impact metrics from Pro Football & Sports Network, Sanders finished the regular season with:
- 56.6% completion rate
- 1,400 passing yards
- 7 touchdown passes
- 14 interceptions
- QB Impact score: 56.9
The performance received an F grade in that analytical model.
Gabriel's evaluation did not create separation in the competition either. His QB Impact score of 51.0 also resulted in an F grade.
The numbers reinforce what Cleveland's coaching staff already believes: the quarterback job still needs to be earned.
Across the league, quarterback competitions have become increasingly common when teams have young passers developing at the position. Cleveland's approach reflects that broader trend across the NFL.
Cleveland's decision will likely come later in the offseason
The Browns are not setting a firm timeline for naming a starter.
Instead, Switzer indicated the coaching staff expects the competition to play out during offseason practices and training camp. Performance, consistency, and command of the offense will ultimately determine who earns the role.
"Those things tend to work themselves out," Switzer said when asked about the quarterback decision.
That means Cleveland's quarterback situation could remain one of the most closely watched storylines of the offseason.
Sanders may still emerge as the long-term answer. Watson still brings experience and past success. Gabriel remains part of the evaluation.
For now, the Cleveland Browns appear comfortable letting the competition unfold before deciding who will lead their offense when the next NFL season begins.
Sources: Browns coaching comments reported by Camryn Justice, NFL historical statistics, and QB Impact data from Pro Football & Sports Network.