Browns GM Andrew Berry is clearly not committed to Shedeur Sanders and is seemingly still on the lookout for a QB. At least that's what recent revelations from the front office suggest.

Anthony Lima and Daryl Ruiter discussed the possibility of a potential trade scenario involving Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud on Cleveland 92.3 The Fan. During the course of the discussion, Ruiter expressed his inclination to the idea of acquiring Stroud, citing Houston’s past willingness to engage in significant trade discussions with Cleveland.

"I've given the Houston Texans enough first-round picks, but...they've (Texans) been a great thought partner for the Cleveland Browns. And I think Andrew Berry should pick up a phone, and if it costs you number...24, I should say I might consider it."

However, the two were also skeptical of his performance in the last two playoff games as well. He recorded a passer rating of 51.8 with 462 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions with a completion rate of 51.9% in the last two matchups.

But is he better than Shedeur Sanders?

Stroud had a passer rating of 100.8 with 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions in 15 games in his rookie season in 2023. He made it to his first Pro Bowl and won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

Meanwhile, Sanders had a passer rating of 68.1 with 1,400 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 8 games. Clearly, Stroud is leauges aheads of Sanders, but one can also argue that the former Colorado QB did not get first-team reps.

The Browns have the 6th and 24th overall picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. Drafting a franchise quarterback at those positions can be challenging, but a trade of the 24th with the Texans for CJ Stroud is more feasible if Houston is willing to do so.

Though it might be tough to convince the Texans, given that he’s been good enough for them. Yet, all hopes are not dead for the Browns to get a QB.

Browns Can Play a Gamble to Replace Shedeur Sanders

With the Browns having the 6th overall pick, drafting a QB is tough. The Raiders have the number 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft, and they need a QB. Which means they will go for Fernando Mendoza if he declares for the draft.

Jets (pick no. 2) and Cardinals (pick no. 3) also need a QB, which means T.Y Simpson is also gone. Dante Moore going back to college has limited the options for the Browns. But Diego Pavia is a name to keep an eye on.

On Friday, First Round Management revealed on Instagram that Pavia had signed with it for NFL representation, confirming his declaration for the 2026 NFL Draft.

The question that remains is whether the Browns are willing to gamble on another rookie quarterback after how the 2025 season panned out. Or will they try to go for a proven talent like Stroud? Who would you pick?

Written by

Reyansh Dubey

Edited by

Joyita Das