Browns Face Tough Decisions as Shedeur Sanders’ Presence Looms Over 2026 QB Plans

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns are confronting a unique dilemma as they approach the 2026 NFL draft: how to handle quarterback Shedeur Sanders, whose larger-than-life presence continues to dominate headlines. From his surprising fall from a projected first-round pick to a fifth-round selection, Sanders has proven that his impact extends far beyond the stat sheet.

The Draft-Day Drama and Lingering Concerns

During the NFL draft, Sanders’ slide wasn’t due to a lack of talent. Instead, many teams hesitated to select him because of concerns about potential distractions if he were kept on the roster but not immediately playing. Teams feared that a high-profile quarterback like Sanders could generate off-field drama, media scrutiny, and social media attention that might overshadow other roster decisions.

The Browns have experienced a glimpse of this “Sanders effect” this season. While Dillon Gabriel was chosen to start over Sanders, the relentless media attention and criticism aimed at the team, coach Kevin Stefanski, and Gabriel illustrate the challenges of managing Sanders’ presence. Gabriel has even been booed on multiple occasions, showing the intensity of fan and media scrutiny when Sanders is not the focal point.

The Question of First-Round Quarterback Strategy

Heading into the 2026 draft, Browns analysts and insiders are debating a difficult question: can Cleveland select a first-round quarterback while keeping Sanders on the roster?

If the team fully commits to Sanders as the future starter, they may use their two first-round picks to upgrade the offense at positions like offensive line and wide receiver. However, if the Browns choose to draft a quarterback with a Top 5 pick, the challenge of managing Sanders’ presence intensifies. Beat writer Mary Kay Cabot questioned whether the franchise wants to “deal with the Shedeur circus and all that outside noise” that would accompany keeping him alongside a new QB1.

Sanders Trending Toward 2026 QB1

Despite concerns, there are signs that Sanders is trending toward being the Browns’ leading quarterback for 2026. Cabot notes that Sanders’ increasing leadership presence and command within the team could simplify draft decisions. Still, his unique personality and media magnetism present challenges. Cabot compares his effect to the “Tim Tebow-ish” or “Johnny Manziel effect,” noting that having Sanders on the roster while trying to support a new top pick could be a difficult balancing act.

“He just is a different animal when it comes to media attention and social media attention,” Cabot said. “It’s very, very different. He is larger than life in so many ways.”

Leadership Versus Performance

The Browns’ consideration of Sanders extends beyond hype. While his on-field performance has struggled — he currently has the lowest quarterback rating in the league, according to Pro Football Focus — there is growing recognition of his leadership qualities. He has stepped into a visible huddle role, showing a willingness to guide teammates and demonstrate accountability.

“It seems like he is really taking on that leadership mantle,” Cabot observed. “He is speaking for the football team, taking the bull by the horns, and showing the potential to be a strong leader. But they have to keep working at it.”

Balancing Potential With Risk

Cleveland faces a strategic balancing act. Keeping Sanders acknowledges his leadership and raw skill, while drafting another quarterback could risk both on-field and off-field disruption. His talent, coupled with the challenges posed by an underperforming offensive line and receiving corps, makes the decision more complex.

The team must weigh the value of a quarterback with leadership presence and raw potential against the risk of ongoing scrutiny and media spectacle. For a franchise attempting to rebuild its identity, the Sanders situation highlights the modern NFL dilemma of managing talent and personality simultaneously.

Looking Ahead

As the Browns approach the 2026 draft, decisions about Sanders will likely dominate discussions both in the front office and among fans. His presence forces the team to consider not just X’s and O’s, but the broader narrative surrounding player personalities, media attention, and fan expectations.

Whether Sanders will emerge as the team’s long-term starter, or whether the Browns will pivot to a first-round quarterback, one thing is clear: his influence on the franchise extends far beyond the field.

The 2026 draft won’t just be about selecting talent — it will be about managing one of the NFL’s most compelling and polarizing young quarterbacks. For the Browns, the choice will shape the team’s direction, culture, and public perception for years to come.