The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback carousel shows no signs of slowing down even in Week 12 of the NFL season. None of the rookies has taken control of the job, and fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders will get his first start on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders.
But if his brief appearance in Week 12 was any indication, Cleveland may once again be searching for a new answer under center in 2026.
Browns Predicted To Select Oregon QB in 2026 NFL Draft
In his latest three-round 2026 NFL mock draft, PFSN’s James Fragoza has the Browns swinging on another quarterback. He projected the team to select Oregon QB Dante Moore, who backed up Dillon Gabriel earlier, with the No. 3 overall pick in the first round.
“Arm talent? Check. Physical tools? Check. Throwing mechanics? Double check,” Fragoza wrote.
“Dante Moore has showcased the traits that work at the NFL level and deserve top-five capital. A year behind Dillon Gabriel in Eugene was exactly what the doctor ordered for Moore’s career, and he’s ready to take the starting position from Gabriel once more in Cleveland.”
Moore wasn’t always seen as a potential first overall pick. After joining the UCLA Bruins as a five-star recruit in 2023, he was thrown into the fire prematurely, starting five games and throwing 11 touchdowns to nine interceptions while completing just over 50% of his passes.
Moore made mistakes and saw his fair share of adversity on the field, but it turned out to be the best thing for him. He transferred to Oregon and sat behind Dillon Gabriel in 2024, using the time out of the lineup to reflect and learn, and he’s re-emerged as a completely different QB.
Through 10 games as of this writing, Moore has completed 185 of 254 attempts (72.8%) for 2,190 yards, 21 TDs, and five INTs, while leading his Ducks to a strong 9-1 record. His only loss thus far has come at the hands of fellow QB1 candidate Fernando Mendoza and the Indiana Hoosiers. He carries a strong 87.0 PFSN CFB QBi score, ranking 33rd nationally.
But adding Moore would further complicate a young quarterback room in Cleveland, and would signal that the front office is prepared to move on from at least one, if not both, of the quarterbacks they drafted in 2025.
Gabriel has struggled in six starts this season, posting a 1-5 record while completing 59.2% of his passes for 937 yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions. His performance earned him the second-lowest PFSN QB Impact grade at 50.6.
Meanwhile, Sanders looked overwhelmed in his Week 12 appearance against the Ravens, completing just four of 16 passes for 47 yards with an interception and taking two sacks. Still, he nearly delivered a game-tying throw in the final minute, and his big-play upside was evident despite the rough outing.
With Gabriel sidelined by a concussion, Sanders will make his first start of the season Sunday against the Raiders, a game that could offer the clearest picture yet of Cleveland’s quarterback future. If Sanders can establish himself as QB1 down the stretch, the Browns may stick with their young duo.
If not, Moore could very well be the next player they turn to in their ongoing search for stability under center.