Contrary to initial reports, it looks like the Cleveland Browns' quarterback room hasn't taken its final form. Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Deshaun Watson may have to battle with another signal-caller for the right to be Todd Monken's starter in 2026.
Speaking during the NFL's annual league meetings in Arizona, GM Andrew Berry confirmed that the team could look to add another young quarterback this offseason.
“Our lean would be if we do add someone to the quarterback room, it would be someone who’s a younger player most likely,” Berry said.
Given the Browns' draft position with three picks inside the top 40, most fans and analysts would point to Alabama's Ty Simpson as Berry's preferred target. However, if we look at the bigger picture, Penn State's Drew Allar might make even more sense for this team later in the draft.
Drew Allar might make more sense for the Browns than Ty Simpson
Allar was once considered a top-five pick in this class. Just like Cade Klubnik and Garrett Nussmeier, his draft stock took a massive hit after a somewhat disappointing final season in college. The potential is definitely there; the physical tools are evident, and, as a Medina, Ohio, native, Allar even grew up rooting for the Browns, per team insider Scott Petrak.
Drew Allar said he went to every Browns home game growing up and it would be “surreal” to be drafted by them. Knows QB coach Mike Bajakian and had good informal meeting with team.
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) February 27, 2026
Local ties aside, Allar makes more sense in the fourth round than Simpson in the first. This quarterback class is underwhelming, and the talent gap after Fernando Mendoza is impossible to ignore. Cleveland has huge needs at left tackle and wide receiver, and using an early-round selection on a polarizing quarterback prospect doesn't make much sense.
Barring a shocking turn of events, Dillon Gabriel isn't expected to see the field in 2026. Deshaun Watson may have a shot to play, but despite the Browns' best efforts to pump his tires, it's hard to envision him re-signing with the Browns after the season. That potentially leaves Shedeur Sanders and a mid-round pick in this year's draft as two developmental prospects with high ceilings going forward.
Allar's mechanics need some work, but his familiarity with QB coach Mike Bajakian, and Todd Monken's tutelage, might be just what the doctor ordered. He can be a developmental pick to spice up this year's training camp competition, and if things don't work out, losing a mid-round draft pick won't hurt much, especially for a team that's currently armed with nine selections.