Which Cleveland Browns QB is the odd man out?

The NFL preseason only has a handful of games left, and roster cutdown day will be here soon. Teams will be forced to make a number of tough decisions by Sunday at 6 p.m. Once-hopeful talents will have to pick up the pieces and figure out what comes next in their football careers.

One of those teams has a unique situation on its hands. The Cleveland Browns have four quarterbacks on the roster and will have to part ways with at least one of them. For now, the only secured spot belongs to Deshaun Watson after the Browns named him the starter.

The other three are Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green. Sanders and Gabriel both entered the league last year, while Green was drafted this season. Chances are, one of them will be looking for a new home or possibly returning to Cleveland on the Browns’ practice squad.

So, the question before Sunday is: Who is the odd man out?

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Aug 22, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) throws a pass to tight end Carsen Ryan (48) during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Sanders by far attracts the most attention and media coverage, but not necessarily in the way the Browns hoped. Sanders, whether it’s his fault or not, remains under the microscope and has become a polarizing figure in the NFL.

The Browns selected him in the fifth round last year. Let’s be honest, though. This was another case of Jimmy Haslam getting himself involved and demanding that his front office select Sanders. The merchandise sales alone were worth it.

Now, Sanders could be traded or released ahead of Sunday because of the attention he brings. He also hasn’t been very productive on the field. Hopefully, he can land with a more stable organization that can properly develop his talent.

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Aug 27, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (6) warms up prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Gabriel was selected two rounds before Sanders. He isn’t a stellar quarterback, but he could develop into a top-tier backup or low-tier bridge starter down the road. That assumes things go well with his development and he continues to grow his game.

Gabriel was heavily overshadowed by Sanders, who became an instant fan favorite in Cleveland. Gabriel stood little chance of winning this fan base over once Sanders was selected.

That being said, there are probably plenty of Cleveland fans ready to move on from Gabriel instead of Sanders. Gabriel had a solid preseason, especially in the Browns’ finale Thursday night.

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Aug 27, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Taylen Green (15) warms up prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Green never stood a chance of starting, but it isn’t unreasonable to say he might give the Browns the best chance to win. He also might give them the best chance to lose. Green is such a dynamic athlete at quarterback that if Todd Monken could develop him into an average passer, he could make serious noise.

Alas, Green isn’t a good passer despite his elite athletic upside. He would require more work than any young quarterback since Anthony Richardson. Monken doesn’t have that luxury of time.

Green could still be kept around because of that athletic upside, though. Perhaps Monken could create some packages for him within the offense?