As the Cleveland Browns ramp up preparations for the 2026 NFL season, front office chatter has been dominated by speculation around the team’s most pivotal position: quarterback. Recent media reports had fans wondering whether the Browns’ executive leadership was planning an open competition or even considering bringing in a new quarterback.
But General Manager Andrew Berry has stepped forward to calm the narrative, emphasizing that any quarterback decisions will be made strictly based on performance on the field rather than media speculation.
Rumors about a potential quarterback battle gained momentum this offseason after draft analysts and commentators weighed in with differing opinions on the team’s long-term plan at the position. High-profile discussions on sports podcasts and broadcasts, including debates over potential draft targets like Ty Simpson, have highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Cleveland’s quarterback room.
Some analysts argued the Browns should invest in another rookie signal-caller, while others insisted the team already possesses a talented young quarterback capable of leading the franchise.
Amid all the chatter, Berry has drawn a firm line. He stressed to reporters that no decisions have been made regarding a starting quarterback for 2026. Players have not yet been evaluated under the newly installed coaching staff or participated in on-field drills, making it premature to establish any hierarchy.
While every player on the roster is expected to compete, Berry emphasized that roles will be earned through performance during offseason programs and training camp. This approach signals the Browns’ commitment to merit-based evaluation over reactionary decisions influenced by external speculation.
Performance, not rumors, will set the QB hierarchy
Berry‘s measured approach contrasts sharply with louder media debates. Analysts like Mel Kiper Jr. have vocally defended Shedeur Sanders as a superior talent, arguing that drafting another rookie quarterback could be unnecessary.
Sanders, who has already made a strong impression and became one of the youngest Browns quarterbacks to reach the Pro Bowl, remains central to the franchise’s vision. Berry‘s stance indicates that the coaching staff’s direct evaluations will hold far more weight than hypothetical discussions or analyst predictions when shaping the 2026 depth chart.
The quarterback conversation is not the only topic drawing attention in Cleveland. Trade rumors surrounding franchise defensive star Myles Garrett have circulated following recent contract restructuring that shifted $8 million into early roster bonuses.
Despite the financial adjustments, Berry has publicly reiterated Garrett‘s status as a “career Brown,” pushing back against speculation about a potential trade. These moves are positioned as internal financial management rather than an indication that key players are leaving.
As the Browns enter a critical offseason, Berry‘s message is clear: decisions will be rooted in on-field performance, coaching evaluations, and a careful internal assessment of the roster. For Cleveland, the focus remains on building a team capable of sustained success, rather than being swayed by media hype or external debate.