The Cleveland Browns have done better than many people expected this year, but there is no doubt that there remain many questions about their future. Perhaps the biggest is this: who will be the team’s starting quarterback for 2027 and beyond?
Right now, Deshaun Watson has made himself comfortable in that role, but most fans agree that he probably isn’t there for long. However, the problem is that analysts can’t agree on who will come to Cleveland to replace Watson.
Speaking on 92.3 The Fan, Anthony Lima talked about the predicament the Browns find themselves in. They may be on the hunt for a “bridge” quarterback in the next offseason, but they won’t be alone.
They will be scouring for their next QB among many other NFL teams, and that’ll make the competition tough.
“This offseason, what are the names we’re going to be talking about? We joked about Spencer Rattler, but who are the names we’re going to be talking about as the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns next year Week 1? You start to realize how difficult this is. This is not easy. It’s not easy to just identify a bridge quarterback and say, ‘That’s our guy next year.’ Right now, half the league is looking for a quarterback to start next year. Half the league,” Lima said.
“Right now, half the league is looking for a quarterback to start next year. Half the league.”
➡️ @SportsBoyTony & @KenCarman on why finding a starting quarterback for the #Browns in 2027 could be far more difficult than fans realize. pic.twitter.com/2iLPFPUgqH
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) November 4, 2026
There are a number of young QBs in college who are reportedly tied to the Browns, but it’s not clear which one the Browns will pursue in the NFL draft. Additionally, it’s not obvious if an incoming quarterback will be a long-term or short-term solution for Cleveland. Lima referred to a “bridge” quarterback, someone who can temporarily carry the team as they find their identity and settle upon someone who can lead them for years to come.
There has been a lot of talk about the number of promising quarterbacks in the next draft, which is obviously a good thing for the Browns. If they were poised to be the only team searching to fill that position, they’d be in a good position.
The problem is that they’re not, and they will have to fight against other front offices to land the player they want. Watson probably won’t be in Cleveland for long, and it seems like the team isn’t certain about what it wants to do with Shedeur Sanders and the other backup players.
They might be looking high and low for new talent, but they won’t be alone.
NEXT: Shedeur Sanders Could Be In Line for First NFL Start This Season
