With the NFL regular season wrapped up, eliminated teams like the Cleveland Browns are evaluating their roster talent to identify their primary needs.
ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper said on a show thinks the Cleveland Browns should stick with quarterback Shedeur Sanders for the 2026 season.
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During an appearance with NFL analysts Field Yates and Mike Greenberg, Kiper said, “I don’t know what else the kid needed to do,” when discussing the Browns quarterback evaluation.
“I don’t know what else the kid needed to do,” – Mel Kiper Jr says Shedeur Sanders did more than enough to be the Browns QB1 in 2026.
Do you agree? pic.twitter.com/JB3eGIRepX
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) January 7, 2026
Sanders started seven games for the Browns in 2025 and went 3-4 in those games. He completed 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and ten interceptions.
The 144th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders supplanted other Browns’ rookie Dillon Gabriel, who started six games earlier in the season.
Quarterback Sanders in first quarter of the Week 18 game between Cincinnati and Cleveland on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.
Cleveland is expected to be in the quarterback market in some capacity this offseason, even if they decide to stick with Sanders. Mel Kiper has quarterbacks Dante Moore and Fernando Mendoza ranked one and two, respectively on his draft big board.
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With the Browns drafting at number six overall, it’s possible they won’t have the opportunity to select either player.
Yesterday, Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson declared for the NFL Draft. Though he is expected to be the third quarterback drafted, the sixth pick is likely too rich for his talents. The Browns may look to free agency or trade options for quarterback competition. Some players who may be available this offseason include: Malik Willis, Kirk Cousins, and Marcus Mariota.
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