The Cleveland Browns' quarterback competition has become one of the NFL's biggest offseason storylines. A recent ranking by CBS Sports on the '5 worst 2026 QB situations' has now added more fuel to the debate, and fans are not pleased.

According to CBS Sports, Cleveland sits at the top of this list, above teams like the New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, and Atlanta Falcons in terms of having the worst quarterback outlook.

This ranking points to the uncertainty surrounding the Browns' four-man competition featuring Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green.

But Cleveland fans believe that the Browns' situation isn't the "worst" in the league, as the CBS Sports ranking seems to suggest. In fact, some fans are of the opinion that "Sanders will lead the team to the playoffs."

Deshaun Watson is returning from two Achilles injuries, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel are still unproven, and rookie Taylen Green remains a developmental prospect. 

Watson has been sidelined since his 2024 season-ending injury. Sanders started seven games last season and went 3-4, while Gabriel finished 1-5 in six starts.

That leaves Cleveland with plenty to figure out at quarterback. Now it's up to new head coach Todd Monken to make that decision. The Browns are expected to continue evaluating all of their options during training camp. 

Meanwhile, fans flooded the X post's comment section, expressing their own takes on the ranking.

Fans push back against Browns quarterback ranking

After the NFL on CBS shared the rankings on X, many fans disagreed. Several pointed to Cleveland's quarterback room, saying Shedeur Sanders gives the group plenty of upside. 

"Only in the Media? Sanders will lead the team to the playoffs in 2026 with 12+ wins - if it was Watson, they would still win 8-9 games. I would say the Browns are in a great position because they have 2 good QBs," one fan wrote.

But others strongly disagreed with that optimism, questioning the pros Sanders brought to the Browns.

"You are one stupid man. Name 1 thing Shedeur was good at? everything good was wiped out by negatives unless you are just biased," another fan replied to that statement.

Some questioned whether college success should influence expectations at the NFL level.

"Based on college success and wins, the Browns would be the best team in the NFL,” another fan named John Kelley wrote in the comment section. “But this ain't college, and the pro game is a little too fast for 90% of college QB's trying to win even a backup spot in the NFL!”

Not everyone agreed with the ranking, even if they did acknowledge that the team's QB situation was concerning.

One fan pointed out, “Alright, cut it out. I know our room is not great with Watson & Shedeur, but ain't no way you are all taking the Falcons & Jets QB room over the Browns. Stop it.”

Another fan backed Shedeur Sanders instead, posting, "I'm taking Shedeur and his upside over anyone listed here."

The debate is likely to continue as Cleveland's quarterback competition remains one of the team's biggest storylines entering the 2026 season.

Read more at the Cleveland Browns Community!

Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit