The Cleveland Browns are no strangers to making bold moves in the NFL Draft, and this year could be no different. With rumors swirling about the future of their quarterback room, the Browns may be eyeing Clemson Tigers standout Cade Klubnik as a potential successor to Shedeur Sanders. While Sanders has shown flashes of brilliance, the NFL is a league where teams must always be planning for the future, and Klubnik’s skill set could make him an intriguing option for Cleveland.
Klubnik, who took over as Clemson’s starting quarterback in 2023, has steadily developed into one of college football’s most promising passers. Known for his poise, accuracy, and ability to extend plays, he possesses many of the traits that modern NFL teams covet in a franchise quarterback. His performance in big games, including a stellar showing in the ACC Championship, has only bolstered his draft stock. While he may not be the consensus top quarterback in the 2025 class, his upside could be too enticing for the Browns to pass up if they find themselves in a position to select him.
Shedeur Sanders, the son of head coach Deion Sanders, has had an up-and-down tenure in Cleveland. While his leadership and competitive fire have never been in question, his consistency as a passer has left some wondering whether he can be the long-term answer for the Browns. Injuries have also been a concern, and in a league where durability is just as important as talent, the front office may be considering all options. Bringing in a young quarterback like Klubnik could either push Sanders to new heights or provide a seamless transition if the team decides to move on.
One of the most appealing aspects of Klubnik’s game is his football IQ. At Clemson, he demonstrated an advanced understanding of defensive coverages and an ability to make quick decisions under pressure. His footwork in the pocket is polished, and he rarely seems flustered, even when facing heavy blitzes. These are qualities that translate well to the NFL, where processing speed is often the difference between a successful drive and a costly turnover. For a Browns team that has struggled with offensive consistency in recent years, adding a cerebral quarterback like Klubnik could help stabilize the unit.
Another factor working in Klubnik’s favor is his athleticism. While he isn’t a dual-threat quarterback in the same vein as Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen, he has enough mobility to evade rushers and pick up first downs when necessary. The modern NFL increasingly values quarterbacks who can extend plays with their legs, and Klubnik’s ability to do so would add another dimension to Cleveland’s offense. Pairing him with dynamic playmakers like Amari Cooper and David Njoku could create a dangerous aerial attack, especially if the offensive line can return to its dominant form.
Of course, drafting a quarterback is always a risk, and Klubnik is no exception. He lacks the elite arm strength of some of his peers, and there have been moments where his deep-ball accuracy has been inconsistent. The Browns would need to evaluate whether these flaws are fixable or if they could limit his ceiling at the next level. Additionally, transitioning from college to the NFL is never easy, and Klubnik would need time to adjust to the speed and complexity of professional defenses. If Cleveland were to draft him, they would need to be patient and provide him with the right coaching to maximize his potential.
The Browns’ current roster construction also plays a role in this potential decision. With a defense that features stars like Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward, the team is built to win now. If they believe Klubnik can contribute sooner rather than later, he could be an appealing option. However, if they view him as more of a project, they may opt to address other immediate needs in the draft and stick with Sanders for another season. General manager Andrew Berry has shown a willingness to make aggressive moves, so it wouldn’t be surprising if he at least explores the possibility of adding Klubnik to the mix.
Another angle to consider is the financial implications of drafting a quarterback. Sanders is still on his rookie contract, but if the Browns aren’t fully convinced he’s the guy, selecting Klubnik would give them cost-controlled options at the position for the foreseeable future. In a league where quarterback salaries continue to skyrocket, having a talented passer on a rookie deal is a significant advantage. It would allow Cleveland to allocate resources elsewhere, whether that’s retaining key defensive players or adding more weapons on offense.
The fanbase’s reaction to such a move would also be fascinating. Sanders, thanks to his famous last name and charismatic personality, has a strong following. Replacing him with a rookie—no matter how talented—could be a tough sell to some segments of the fanbase. However, winning cures all, and if Klubnik were to come in and immediately elevate the offense, any initial skepticism would likely fade quickly. The Browns have been searching for stability at quarterback for decades, and if Klubnik represents the best chance to finally find it, the organization may be willing to make the tough call.
Ultimately, the decision will come down to how the Browns evaluate both Klubnik and Sanders. If they believe Klubnik has the tools to develop into a top-tier NFL starter, they may pull the trigger, even if it means moving on from Sanders sooner than expected. On the other hand, if they see Sanders as a player who can still grow into the role, they may opt to build around him and look for a quarterback in future drafts. The NFL Draft is always full of surprises, and the Browns have never been afraid to make a splash.
One thing is certain: the quarterback position will remain under the microscope in Cleveland until the team finds a long-term solution. Whether that solution is Shedeur Sanders, Cade Klubnik, or someone else entirely remains to be seen. But with the draft approaching, the speculation will only intensify, and the Browns’ decision could shape the franchise’s trajectory for years to come.
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Cleveland’s front office to see if they make a move for Klubnik or stand pat with Sanders. Either way, the quarterback debate is far from over, and the Browns’ next steps will be one of the most intriguing storylines of the NFL offseason.
