CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 07: Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders 12 leaves the field following the National Football League game between the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns on December 7, 2025, at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, OH. Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 07 Titans at Browns EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251207108
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 07: Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders 12 leaves the field following the National Football League game between the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns on December 7, 2025, at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, OH. Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 07 Titans at Browns EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251207108
Feb 10, 2026, 3:00 PM CUT
NFL Insider Predicts Potential Shedeur Sanders Replacement Amidst QB Uncertainty at Browns
The Browns have changed the head coach, but the starting QB uncertainty with Shedeur Sanders, a returningDeshaun Watson, and Dillon Gabriel remains the same.
There is no clarity whether he will be the starting QB of the Browns in the 2026 season. The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner released his latest mock draft and named a surprising figure as a potential replacement for Sanders: LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier.
However, the senior NFL writer also wrote about the "context" behind naming Nussmeier. “For starters, LSU’s program was on the verge of collapse. His offensive line was a nightmare, and he played through a core injury. He was healthy at the Senior Bowl and looked more like the quarterback we expected to see this season. Stock firmly up here,” wrote Nick Baumgardner.
Nussmeier has certainly amassed impressive stats, recording 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in his best collegiate season in 2024. When he joined the college, he was considered a Heisman frontrunner and a potential top-10 pick, but then injuries had their part.
NCAA, College League, USA Football: Senior Bowl Practice Jan 29, 2026 Mobile, AL, USA American quarterback Garrett Nussmeier 13 of LSU throws the ball during American Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mobile Hancock Whitney Stadium AL USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xVashaxHuntx 20260129_cec_hd1_014
NCAA, College League, USA Football: Senior Bowl Practice Jan 29, 2026 Mobile, AL, USA American quarterback Garrett Nussmeier 13 of LSU throws the ball during American Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mobile Hancock Whitney Stadium AL USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xVashaxHuntx 20260129_cec_hd1_014
In 2025, he played 9 games with a 67.4% completion rate, nearly 2,000 yards, 12 TDs, and 5 interceptions. His draft declaration positions him as a potential Top-5 quarterback in the 2026 class.
What About Shedeur Sanders?
Todd Monken faced that question shortly after taking charge, but his answer did not provide much insight. "Well, I think like any position on the team, that's still to be determined," Monken said when asked if Sanders would be QB1 heading into the offseason.
Myles Garrett also commented, saying, "You know, we're going to give him a shot to prove that he's the guy. We're not going to give anyone that title until they go out there and earn it." He noted that Sanders was the last Browns QB on the field and showed some flashes.
Sanders had a passer rating of 68.1 with 1,400 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 8 games in 2025. Do you think he should be the starting quarterback for the Browns in the 2026 season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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Written by
Reyansh Dubey
Edited by
Sagnik Bagchi