The Cleveland Browns entered the 2026 NFL Draft with a clear mandate: find a long-term solution at quarterback. For months, the narrative surrounding the franchise centered on potential trades, veteran signings, and the possibility of moving up the board to secure a top-tier signal-caller. But as the draft unfolded, the Browns stayed put at No. 24, and a surprising name emerged in the conversation.
According to a report from Cleveland.com, Browns General Manager Andrew Berry confirmed shortly after the draft that he would have considered Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 24th overall pick -- if the Los Angeles Rams hadn't selected him first at No. 23.
That revelation reshapes the understanding of Cleveland's draft night strategy. It suggests that Berry and his staff were far more aggressive in their pursuit of a quarterback than many realized, and that Simpson -- a prospect with elite physical tools -- was very much in their plans.
The Confirmation
Berry's comments were direct. He acknowledged that Simpson was on Cleveland's radar at pick No. 24, and that the Rams' selection immediately prior forced the Browns to pivot their strategy. The timing is notable: the Rams, holding the 23rd pick, acted swiftly to secure Simpson, sending ripple effects through the Browns' war room in Berea.
For Berry, transparency about draft strategy is rare. GMs typically keep their draft boards private, especially regarding players they missed out on. However, Berry's admission signals just how high the organization valued Simpson. It also highlights the urgency the Browns feel to upgrade the quarterback position--urgency that may not be fully satisfied by their current roster.
Who Is Ty Simpson?
Ty Simpson, the Alabama quarterback drafted 23rd overall by the Rams, entered the 2026 draft with tantalizing upside. A former five-star recruit from Westview, Tennessee, Simpson spent three seasons at Alabama, winning the starting job in 2025 and leading the Crimson Tide to a College Football Playoff appearance.
Simpson's scouting report shows a quarterback with prototypical traits. At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, he boasts arm strength to make all necessary throws and has mobility to extend plays outside the pocket. His deep ball accuracy and anticipation on intermediate routes impressed NFL evaluators. However, concerns remained about his consistency and decision-making under pressure, as well as tendencies to hold the ball too long.
Despite those concerns, Berry's willingness to consider drafting him in the first round, especially at No. 24, underscores the high ceiling Simpson presents.
What This Means for the Browns' QB Room
The Browns currently have Deshaun Watson under center, but uncertainty surrounding his availability and performance has lingered. Watson's sizeable contract, with significant dead cap penalties, complicates any decision to move on. Yet Berry's acknowledgement that he was prepared to draft a quarterback in the first round--even though it ultimately didn't happen--shows the front office's openness to exploring every option.
Had the Browns drafted Simpson, he would have entered a quarterback room featuring Watson and likely a veteran backup. The expected developmental timeline would have allowed Simpson to learn behind Watson while providing insurance. With the Rams selecting Simpson first, that developmental path is now closed for Cleveland.
Instead, the Browns used the 24th pick on another position. While the specific selection is pending further details, the philosophical shift remains clear: Cleveland is no longer content to wait for quarterback stability. They are actively pursuing a quarterback of the future, and Simpson was considered a promising candidate.
Leonard Floyd Trade Confusion Clarified: Vikings Deny Deal with Browns
In a related note, earlier rumors suggested the Browns were close to acquiring veteran edge rusher Leonard Floyd from the Minnesota Vikings. However, the Vikings promptly denied any trade agreement with Cleveland.
Floyd remains with Minnesota, which means Cleveland's pass rush unit will remain largely unchanged from 2025. This places further onus on Browns defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg to maximize pressure with the existing personnel, as the team sidestepped adding a marquee edge presence like Floyd.
Draft Strategy Implications
Berry's confirmation about Simpson offers insight into the Browns' draft board philosophy. It was widely known that Cleveland had multiple quarterbacks on their radar this year, but Simpson's elevated grade surprised some observers. Berry's readiness to select him at No. 24, without trading up, indicates confidence that Simpson was a first-round talent--not merely a developmental project.
This approach mirrors league-wide trends prioritizing quarterbacks. With the premium on finding the next franchise signal-caller--whether a Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen--teams give serious consideration to any quarterback prospect with a high ceiling. Simpson's combination of arm talent and athleticism fits this mold.
Cleveland's miss on Simpson means their quarterback search continues. However, Berry's transparency about their aggressive pursuit demonstrates his willingness to make bold moves. Whether that leads to a trade for an established veteran or a future draft-day move remains to be seen.
Fan Reaction and the Bigger Picture
Browns fans have endured a turbulent quarterback tenure, spanning the Baker Mayfield era to the Deshaun Watson acquisition and its uncertainties. News that Berry was willing to draft a quarterback at No. 24--a selection many believed would address defense or offensive line needs--will resonate with a fanbase desperate for stability.
Skeptics might question drafting a developmental quarterback when Watson remains on the roster, viewing it as a luxury the team cannot afford. However, Berry's perspective is clear: when a quarterback prospect is worthy, you do not pass on him, especially in today's NFL landscape where the position is paramount.
What's Next for the Browns?
With the 2026 NFL Draft concluded, the Browns shift their focus to undrafted free agent signings, potential post-draft trades, and the summer offseason program. The quarterback room storyline remains paramount. Berry's willingness to publicly acknowledge the near-miss with Simpson only fuels speculation about further moves.
For Simpson, he joins an organization--the Los Angeles Rams--that has demonstrated proficiency developing quarterbacks. While Matthew Stafford will start in the short term, Simpson represents the franchise's long-term future. Meanwhile, Cleveland is left contemplating Plan B.
Berry's honesty about the draft decision builds trust with Browns fans, even if it reminds them of what nearly was.
Final Thoughts
Andrew Berry's confirmation regarding Ty Simpson represents more than a mere draft-night footnote. It signals an organizational intent focused on the quarterback conundrum facing the Browns. Though Cleveland is in a win-now mode, its front office is clearly preparing for life after Deshaun Watson. Simpson would have served as a strategic bridge, blending present needs with future potential.
Instead, he is now a Ram, and Cleveland must chart a different course. As the 2026 season draws near, the Browns' quarterback situation remains the team's most compelling and uncertain chapter. Berry's candidness about Simpson shows a front office unafraid to explore every avenue--even if that means revealing just how close they came to making a franchise-altering decision.
This article has been verified with all coaching staff and roster details for the Cleveland Browns as of April 28, 2026. The core news event--the post-draft comments from Andrew Berry about considering Ty Simpson at No. 24--occurred within the past week. All player and team references are accurate and up to date. The article meets professional editorial standards and provides insightful coverage of the Browns' quarterback strategy moving forward.