Despite having two rookies from 2025 ready to compete, the Cleveland Browns are still on the hunt to secure a franchise quarterback with an interest in Ty Simpson. But a recent take by a former quarterback may make that difficult.

With the 2026 draft fast approaching, Emmett Golden has flagged an issue with Dan Orlovsky's comments. In a time when many want the Browns to consider a wide receiver, their quarterback dream may be slipping away, too.

On Monday, Golden, an ESPN Cleveland host, addressed Dan Orlovsky’s claim that Simpson is the “Q1 in his draft class.” An X post reported Golden’s questioning as to why Orlovsky, a former NFL player, waited so long to compliment the prospect.

“@danorlovsky7 says that Ty Simpson is QB1 in this draft class. Should he be on the Browns radar at no. 6 overall?” the X post read.

“There are a number of teams around the NFL that believe that Ty Simpson is the best quarterback in this draft. And if he’s not the best, he’s not far from Mendoza. I would ask him, ‘Why do you feel that way now?’ Did you just get the Ty Simpson tape this weekend?” he asked in the clip. 

The Browns have two picks in the upcoming draft, slotted at No.6 and No.24, and are in desperate need to land a reliable starter. Reports have suggested that the Browns are interested in Simpson, but the concern now is whether Simpson will be drafted before their pick arrives.

As the Browns are already slowly building up their offense by bringing in new players, the Browns appear intent on using their No. 6 pick on Ty Simpson, but his rising stock makes that uncertain.

23-Year-Old Ty Simpson Has an Impressive College Record

Compared to Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, who threw 41 touchdowns for 3,535 yards in 2025, Simpson stands second. But his numbers show real promise.

Simpson scored 28 touchdowns for 3,567 yards with only five interceptions (one less than Mendoza). While it is a close competition between the two,  Simpson has raved about Browns head coach, Todd Monken.

"I know he loves ball," Simpson said of Monken. "I know he loves football, and I know that's what I love as well. Super smart guy. I remember him coming to my school (while he was) at Georgia. Him and my dad actually have a great relationship because he coached at Southern Miss for a little bit."

While this connection makes Simpson an interesting option, the Browns' roster already has three quarterbacks. 

Despite having four quarterbacks last season, including Joe Flacco and Deshaun Watson, the Browns never quite clicked with any player enough to be considered a QB1.

24-year-old Shedeur Sanders is vying for the starting position after a tough rookie season. After an NFL debut in the 2nd half of the season last year, he scored seven touchdowns for 1,400 yards with little to no support from the wide receivers and linemen.

So, is Simpson the best quarterback prospect, especially for the Browns? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote