Browns could draft Clemson QB Cade Klubnik to replace Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel, despite some calling it “silly.”

The Cleveland Browns are in a precarious quarterback situation heading into the 2025 NFL season. After drafting two rookie quarterbacks in 2025 — Dillon Gabriel in the third round and Shedeur Sanders in the fifth — the team still faces uncertainty at the most important position. Enter Cade Klubnik, the Clemson Tigers’ standout signal-caller, projected by many as the top quarterback prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. Rumors have begun swirling that the Browns might set their sights on Klubnik to be their franchise quarterback, replacing either Sanders or Gabriel.

Some analysts and fans are quick to dismiss this notion as “silly,” questioning the logic of investing a premium draft pick on a quarterback when two rookies already occupy the depth chart. But is it really that far-fetched? Let’s explore the Browns’ quarterback quandary, Cade Klubnik’s credentials, and why drafting him might make sense despite the skepticism.

The Browns’ Quarterback Conundrum

The Browns entered the 2025 season with a crowded quarterback room. Veteran Deshaun Watson is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon and is expected to miss the season, leaving the team relying on backups Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, neither of whom have delivered consistent starter-level play.

The Browns then invested draft capital in two young quarterbacks — Dillon Gabriel, taken in the third round, and Shedeur Sanders, picked in the fifth round. Gabriel, an accurate passer from Oregon, was expected to compete immediately for backup duties, while Sanders, son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, was viewed as a developmental project with a high ceiling.

Yet neither Gabriel nor Sanders has managed to clearly establish themselves as the Browns’ quarterback of the future. Rookie minicamps and preseason have been a mixed bag for both, leading some insiders to describe the QB room as “wide open” and lacking a clear leader.

This uncertainty has led to speculation that the Browns could take a hard reset by drafting Cade Klubnik, a dynamic and highly regarded QB from Clemson, in the 2026 draft.

Who Is Cade Klubnik?

Klubnik has quickly risen through the ranks of the college football world. After stepping into the starting role at Clemson, he demonstrated excellent poise, arm strength, and mobility. His 2024 season numbers were impressive: over 3,600 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, and only 6 interceptions, along with nearly 500 rushing yards and 7 rushing touchdowns.

He is widely regarded as a smart, accurate quarterback with a knack for reading defenses and making quick decisions. Scouts praise his ability to avoid mistakes, his pocket presence, and his dual-threat capabilities. Many draft experts peg him as the potential first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft — a prize any team struggling at QB would covet.

Why Draft Klubnik? The Case for a Fresh Start

Despite already having two young quarterbacks on the roster, the Browns have several reasons to consider drafting Klubnik:

• Lack of Clarity with Current QBs: Neither Gabriel nor Sanders has emerged as a clear answer under center. The Browns may decide it’s better to start fresh with a blue-chip prospect who can be developed over the long term.

• High Upside and Potential Franchise QB: Klubnik’s ceiling is significantly higher than what either Gabriel or Sanders has demonstrated so far. If the Browns believe he could become a franchise QB, investing a premium pick on him makes sense.

• Draft Capital and Flexibility: The Browns own multiple early picks in the 2026 draft, including the Jacksonville Jaguars’ first-round pick. This affords them the flexibility to make a bold QB selection without sacrificing other key pieces.

• Cost-Benefit Considerations: Gabriel and Sanders are relatively low-cost investments on rookie contracts. If Klubnik pans out, the Browns could trade or move on from one or both of the current QBs without major financial loss.

Why Critics Call It “Silly”

The notion of drafting Klubnik to replace Sanders or Gabriel has its detractors, and they raise valid points:

• Organizational Inconsistency: Taking two quarterbacks in the 2025 draft only to select another top QB in 2026 could be seen as a sign of poor planning or lack of confidence in the team’s scouting and development.

• Fan Frustration: Browns fans have endured years of instability and might view this move as yet another cycle of uncertainty and “QB carousel,” eroding trust in the front office.

• Opportunity Cost: Using a top draft pick on Klubnik means passing on elite talent at other positions of need, such as offensive line, pass rush, or wide receiver.

• Crowded QB Room: Adding Klubnik might exacerbate competition and confusion rather than solve it, potentially causing friction in the locker room.

The Impact on Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel

For Sanders and Gabriel, the prospect of Klubnik joining the Browns in 2026 is not great news.

• Shedeur Sanders: Drafted in the fifth round, Sanders is considered a developmental QB with upside but limited current value. Klubnik’s arrival would likely relegate him to a backup role or make him a trade candidate.

• Dillon Gabriel: Selected in the third round, Gabriel has been viewed as a possible immediate backup or future starter. Klubnik’s addition at the top of the draft would make Gabriel’s path to starting even more challenging.

Both players would face increased pressure to perform or risk being displaced.

Lessons from Other NFL Teams

The Browns aren’t the first franchise to face quarterback uncertainty and draft multiple QBs in consecutive years:

• Washington Commanders: They cycled through multiple QBs before drafting a new franchise quarterback at the top of the draft, but the constant changes created instability.

• Indianapolis Colts: After drafting a quarterback and benching a veteran quickly, they reset with a new top pick, a strategy that paid off with Andrew Luck but was risky.

• San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams: Both teams opted for patience, sticking with their starters and building around them rather than drafting QBs early in back-to-back years.

The Browns’ choice will depend on whether they want to gamble on a fresh start or stick with their current roster.

What’s Next for the Browns?

If the Browns fail to improve their QB play in 2025, the pressure to select Klubnik in 2026 will mount. Conversely, if either Sanders or Gabriel takes a clear step forward, the Browns might redirect their focus to other roster needs.

Ultimately, drafting Cade Klubnik is not a “silly” idea but rather a calculated risk. The Browns have an opportunity to secure a potential franchise quarterback with high draft capital in 2026. The key will be balancing patience with decisiveness to avoid prolonging QB uncertainty.

The Cleveland Browns face a critical decision at quarterback. Cade Klubnik represents a tantalizing option to replace Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel if neither proves up to the challenge. While some call the idea “silly,” it is grounded in the realities of QB development, draft capital, and the need for long-term stability.

Only time will tell if the Browns pull the trigger on Klubnik in 2026 or stick with their current young QBs. For now, the Browns’ quarterback saga continues — and it might just get even more interesting.