Oregon QB Dante Moore’s Return to School Shakes Up Browns’ Plans for Shedeur Sanders in 2026
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation for the 2026 season remains in flux, with rookie Shedeur Sanders facing heightened competition after Oregon’s Dante Moore announced his decision to return to school instead of entering the NFL Draft. This unexpected move by the highly touted quarterback prospect complicates Cleveland’s offseason strategy, as the team weighs internal options against potential draft additions.[1][2]
Sanders, selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, ended the Browns’ disappointing 5-12 campaign as the starter, taking over for the final seven games. He completed 56.6 percent of his passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, while adding 169 rushing yards and a score. Despite flashes of potential, including improved play-making, accuracy, and mobility, General Manager Andrew Berry stopped short of anointing him the unquestioned starter for next year.[1][2][3]
Browns GM Berry Praises Progress but Keeps Options Open
In a recent press conference, Berry highlighted Sanders’ growth: “I think we saw a lot of progress with Shedeur this year… mentally, physically, playing the position. He’s still very much a work in progress, like many rookie quarterbacks are. But I think we saw some really good things in terms of his play-making, his accuracy, his ability to extend plays with his feet.”[1][3]
However, Berry emphasized the critical nature of the position, stating, “Now that all means that we’re gonna do our work on the quarterback market. It’s too important of a position and it’s something that has to be solidified. I can’t sit here and tell you today whether the solution for the starter in 2026 is internal or external.”[1][3] The incoming head coach, following Kevin Stefanski’s firing on January 5, will play a pivotal role in the decision.[2][3][4]
Moore’s Decision Alters Draft Landscape
Dante Moore’s return to Oregon removes one of the top projected quarterback prospects from the 2026 draft pool, where the Browns hold the No. 6 and No. 24 overall picks. Analysts had pegged Moore, alongside Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, as a prime target for teams in Cleveland’s draft range. With Moore off the board, the Browns may need to trade up or pivot to later-round options to bolster the position.[2]
This development impacts Sanders directly, as it limits Cleveland’s ability to easily acquire a high-upside challenger via the draft’s early rounds. Early rumors suggest Sanders will compete for the starting job alongside Deshaun Watson, who is locked into the roster due to massive cap implications—$135 million if cut before June 1, or $53 million post-June 1. Dillon Gabriel, another 2025 draftee, is also on the roster, though his future is uncertain.[2]
“Early signs point to Sanders getting to compete for the job, Watson being stuck on the roster and another quarterback addition in the middle rounds of the draft.”[2]
Sanders Reflects on Rookie Struggles
Sanders himself acknowledged the harsh realities of playing quarterback in Cleveland, calling his rookie year a “learning year.” He noted, “I feel like this is a learning year for me… moving forward, I’ll be prepared. I’ll have actual, realistic reps vs. players… so I’m excited for this offseason knowing what to expect.”[4]
In post-season remarks, Sanders expressed confidence despite the uncertainty: “I think I did what I was able to do, and I definitely grew from a lot of things, and I got experience now. So, I’m always the same, confidence-wise, I’m there. But like, that’s not in my hands.”[3] He pointed to moments of offensive synergy late in games, where methodical run-pass balance and precise reads helped sustain drives.[4]
Endorsements and Expert Takes
Amid the ambiguity, ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. threw his support behind Sanders, comparing him favorably to No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward. Kiper lambasted the NFL’s quarterback evaluation process: “The NFL has been clueless for 50 years when it comes to evaluating quarterbacks… They have no idea what they’re doing.”[1] Kiper believes Sanders has demonstrated enough to claim the starting role in 2026.[1]
The Browns’ coaching search adds another layer. Speculation swirls around candidates like Super Bowl winner John Harbaugh, whose AFC North experience and track record with young quarterbacks could provide Sanders the mentorship needed to elevate his game.[4]
Looking Ahead: Competition Looms
With Watson’s $53 million-plus cap hit ensuring his presence, and Moore’s return diminishing top-end draft talent, Sanders enters a crowded quarterback room. The team plans to add a mid-round draft pick, setting up a training camp battle influenced heavily by the new head coach.[2][3]
Cleveland’s 2025 season exposed offensive inconsistencies, finishing with a 5-12 record under Stefanski. Sanders’ late-season starts offered glimpses of hope, but turnovers and rhythm issues underscored his rawness. As the Browns rebuild, the quarterback derby will define their trajectory.[4]
Fans and analysts alike await Berry’s next moves. Will Sanders seize the opportunity Kiper envisions, or will external pressures force another pivot? The offseason promises drama, with Moore’s choice reverberating through Cleveland’s plans.[1][2]