The Cleveland Browns are once again stuck in quarterback limbo. Watson is still out, Flacco is gone, Gabriel is struggling, and Shedeur is yet to see a regular-season snap. With the team sinking fast, the 2026 NFL Draft now looks like their clearest path to a real reset, and Alabama star Ty Simpson is rapidly emerging as the name tied to Cleveland’s future.

Former ESPN analyst Todd McShay appeared with analyst Steve Muench on November 13th and talked about the Browns’ first-round pick for the 2026 NFL draft. To McShay’s surprise, Muench touted Alabama’s Ty Simpson to join Shedeur Sanders’ camp. “I’m at the Browns picking four, and I’m taking Ty Simpson there, too. I think Stefanski showed he doesn’t need that big-bodied quarterback. He wants a cerebral guy. I think Simpson is the best quarterback in this class, and I think he’s the best fit for Stefanski,” said Muench. But why Simpson?

Ty Simpson is arguably one of the best QBs in 2025, barring a case for Julian Sayin. The Bama QB has exceeded all expectations. From showing passing mastery game after game to producing clutch moments, Simpson is a main factor in Bama’s 8-1 record. Not to mention, the guy has already passed 2,461 yards after facing bluebloods like Georgia, Tennessee, and LSU. That also explains Simpson’s $2.5 million NIL value. He, then, becomes a perfect QB for the Browns’ head coach, Kevin Stefanski.

“The Giants and Cleveland just swap to make sure that Cleveland gets their guy. No one jumps in front of them, and then the Giants get the tackle at four, which is probably a little bit of a better value, and they pick something up in exchange, too. So, yeah, I mean, it’s very similar. I’ve got Cleveland taking Simpson,” said Muench.

Simpson offers the Browns a polished decision-making prowess with a knack for finding space where ordinary QBs don’t. The Bama QB1’s pre- and post-snap command is also quite refined, which makes him ideal for a West Coast or timing-based offense. Something Stefanski usually deploys. All in all, since Stefanski protects his QBs, he would need a smart, accurate, and quick processing QB. Ty Simpson fits that criteria like a glove, and also comes with a much higher ceiling. But if that happens, what would happen to Shedeur Sanders?

Shedeur Sanders’ Browns future is in doubt as analysts back Ty Simpson

The Cleveland Browns haven’t shown any improvement after week 9. The team lost another game against the New York Jets, making them 2-7 so far. Rookie QB, Dillon Gabriel, who has started so far after Flacco, also hasn’t impressed at all. The former Oregon QB has accumulated just 869 passing yards at 58.6% passing efficiency and has a QB rating of 32.3. Taking Ty Simpson then, in the 2026 NFL draft, can alleviate some woes for the Browns, giving them a stable QB room.

“Of all the quarterbacks in the 2026 class, Simpson has been the most consistent processor. Helping to pick Alabama up off the mat after a season-opening loss and climb into College Football Playoff position,” wrote the Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner. Baumgardner then predicted the Browns to also take Louisville Cardinals’ Chris Bell to complement Simpson’s passing prowess.

“Bell has been a legit star this season for Jeff Brohm and Louisville,” Baumgardner said. But taking in reinforcements and building around Simpson would mean the end of Shedeur’s career? All signs currently point to the same. Since USA Today’s Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz also predicted that the Browns would take a QB with their fourth pick. Schwartz also anticipated the Browns to land Simpson and even called the Bama QB “ ready for the pros.” In that scenario, it’s easy to imagine Shedeur eventually pushing for a fresh opportunity elsewhere, whether via trade or a future move once his rookie deal runs its course.

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