Browns rumor suggests Cleveland could ditch Shedeur Sanders for $71 million quarterback

Browns rumor suggests Cleveland could ditch Shedeur Sanders for $71 million quarterback originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Cleveland Browns could be preparing to move on from Shedeur Sanders as their starting quarterback.

Sanders started seven games for the Browns in 2025, and though he showed potential by posting a 3-4 record, it looks like Cleveland doesn't plan on heading into 2026 with the Colorado product as QB1.

According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the Browns are targeting Green Bay Packers free agent quarterback Malik Willis. The franchise also has interest in Alabama signal-caller Ty Simpson in April's draft.

"Packers backup quarterback Malik Willis and Alabama’s Ty Simpson are among the external quarterbacks on the Browns’ radar with the NFL Combine kicking off Tuesday and free agency starting in two weeks," Cabot said.

Signing Willis would be a savvy move by general manager Andrew Berry.

Willis has done a terrific job filling in for Jordan Love over the last two seasons, showcasing his efficiency with a 78.7% completion rate on 89 passes with Green Bay.

The Liberty product possesses a dynamic skillset that head coach Todd Monken can maximize. Monken coached Lamar Jackson with the Baltimore Ravens for three seasons, so he knows a thing or two about working with mobile quarterbacks.

Spotrac projects Willis will land a $71 million contract over two seasons in free agency, an average annual value of $35.5 million. That would be a hefty price point, but one Cleveland would pay if they believe Willis can be their quarterback of the future.