The Cleveland Browns’ plan at quarterback has been a mystery for most of the past two years. Deshaun Watson’s past injury issues threw the organization a huge curveball, and even though he is now the starter once again and playing his best ball in a Browns uniform, the long-term picture remains clouded.
His concussion that caused him to miss last week’s game at the New Orleans Saints was a reminder to the fans and everyone in the organization that nobody should get too comfortable with him being the starter. Shedeur Sanders’ performance in his place made everyone feel more comfortable that the season wouldn’t end if Watson did get hurt again, but in the grand scheme of things, the long-term solution at quarterback is likely not on the roster yet.
During a recent episode of The Really Big Show, Tony Rizzo said that it’s no secret that the team is scouting potential 2027 quarterbacks. His co-host, Aaron Goldhammer, noted how GM Andrew Berry was confirmed to be in attendance for the Notre Dame/Miami game while another unconfirmed Browns representative was at the Missouri/Texas game last week.
"The Browns are scouting QBs," – Rizz.
It appears that the Browns brass are on the hunt for a 2027 rookie QB 👀👀👀
Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/rbeTy4Ti2x
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) November 12, 2026
All four of those teams have potential first-round picks in the 2027 draft at quarterback in C.J. Carr, Darian Mensah, Arch Manning, and Austin Simmons. With two first-round picks at their disposal and so much talent at just about every other position on the roster, it would be shocking if the Browns didn’t take a QB in 2027.
It’s no surprise that they are already doing their homework. The Browns’ way out of Watson’s contract is finally coming after this season and Sanders still hasn’t shown that he can definitively be the guy. With so many enticing options coming in 2027, there are a number of options for Berry to consider. He has the ammo to maneuver around the board and ensure he gets exactly who he believes can finally put an end to this revolving door.
Ownership has been rumored to be in love with Arch Manning for a long time, and with his stock dropping, all of a sudden the Browns could be in the mix for his services if they ultimately decide he is the best option. He came into this season as the runaway favorite to be the first overall pick, but it’s exciting that the Browns have five wins and could still have a path to get him without picking at the top of the draft.
The current roster has done enough to earn the fans’ attention and thwart the idea that this was simply a bridge year to get to 2027. A fun young quarterback will likely be waiting for the Browns in April, but that’s a conversation for another day. It’s encouraging that the front office is doing the work now to get ahead of that decision, though.
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