‘They Told You About It’ — NFL Analyst Weighs In on Browns’ Potential Plan To Tank in 2026 for a QB in 2027 Draft

The Cleveland Browns have made their decision, and the organization has announced Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback for the 2026 season.

The decision by head coach Todd Monken came as a surprise, as fans were speculating that the franchise would go with young quarterback Shedeur Sanders. The decision has left many fans and analysts thinking about the long-term future at the position.

Aug 15, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) looks to pass the ball against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn ImagesJoe Thomas Sounds Alarm on Browns’ 2027 QB Plan

During a recent episode of The Herd, former Browns offensive tackle and Hall of Famer Joe Thomas was asked whether Cleveland could be preparing for a difficult 2026 season with an eye toward landing a quarterback next year and said:

“I definitely think that they’re considering drafting a quarterback high wherever they are [in the draft] next year. They told you about it when they traded away Myles Garrett and added draft picks next year. Because they know [they] could possibly get [a quarterback] this next year.”

“I definitely think they’re considering draft a QB high next year. They told you about it when they traded away Myles Garrett and added draft picks.”@jasonrmcintyre and @joethomas73 on if the Browns are tanking for a QB in next year’s draft pic.twitter.com/fKhuOF4xYI

— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) August 28, 2026

The organization acquired Watson from the Houston Texans in 2022 and gave up an enormous package that included three first-round picks before signing him to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract.

Thomas also shared his thoughts that the lengthy time the organization took to finalize its quarterback might be a sign that the Browns don’t believe their long-term answer is currently on the roster and said the following:

“It’s very clear right now because [the Browns] had a quarterback competition all training camp; they don’t believe that there is one on their roster right now for sure… When you don’t know who your quarterback is, that usually means you probably don’t have one.”

The veteran quarterback wasn’t able to appear during the entire 2025 season as he was recovering from an Achilles injury that required two surgeries.

Despite believing the Browns are positioning themselves well for the 2027 draft, Thomas pushed back against the idea that the organization is deliberately preparing to lose games and concluded the conversation by saying:

“And so, I definitely think they’re setting themselves up, but I don’t think they’re tanking in a sense that they did in 2016 and 17 when I was there.”

The Browns traded star defensive end Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams in June and received Jared Verse along with three draft picks, including a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. The move gives Cleveland additional draft capital that could become important if the organization decides to target another quarterback next year.

For now, Watson will have the opportunity to prove that he can still be the answer for the Browns. Sanders will also continue to develop behind him and could get his opportunity if things don’t go according to plan. However, if neither quarterback establishes himself as Cleveland’s long-term solution, the Browns could have the draft capital needed to make a move for a quarterback in 2027.

More NFL news from Gridiron Heroics

• ‘Nothing, Nada, Zilch’ — Colin Cowherd Gets Real on Mike Vrabel, Dianna Russini Scandal’s Impact on NFL Season
• ’Couldn’t Have Found Himself in a Better Spot’ — NFL Insider Raves Over Rams’ Handling of Ty Simpson Months After Draft Pick Backlash
• This Is Pretty Delicate’ — Ex NFL Scout Highlights Issues With 49ers and Christian McCaffery’s Contract Challenges

Follow me here on Gridiron Heroics and get the latest on the world of NFL and college football. From the drama surrounding Shedeur Sanders, Bill Belichick – Jordon Hudson tea, Brittany Mahomes’ stylish looks to Taylor Swift’s appearances on Chiefs game days, this will be your one-stop shop for all NFL and college football stuff. You can also reach out to Prasen Singh via email at prasensingh272@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest sports news, click here!

The post ‘They Told You About It’ — NFL Analyst Weighs In on Browns’ Potential Plan To Tank in 2026 for a QB in 2027 Draft appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.