Taylen Green could be the unlikely beneficiary of the NFL’s biggest QB controversy

As the Arkansas Razorbacks prepare for the season opener against North Alabama on September 5, their quarterback from a year ago -- Taylen Green -- finds himself over 900 miles away from Fayetteville.

The Cleveland Browns' sixth-round pick from the 2026 NFL Draft just completed his first preseason in the NFL, and now that Green has made the team's initial 53-man roster, the talented rookie will have to prove he can navigate an NFL franchise known for its revolving door at quarterback. However, as chaotic as the Cleveland Browns' QB room can be, Green may have a legitimate opportunity to climb the depth chart sooner than expected.

Cleveland Browns' QB struggles opening the door for Taylen Green

Heading into 2026, no NFL team has more eyes on its quarterback battle than the Cleveland Browns.

While Browns head coach Todd Monken has bristled at questions related to his team's starting quarterback, it hasn't stopped his team's QB battle from becoming one of the most talked-about topics in the NFL this preseason. With Deshaun Watson still working his way back from multiple Achilles injuries, the veteran QB hasn't inspired much confidence in Cleveland's quarterback room, and considering his off-the-field controversies, it's hard to imagine him winning over Cleveland fans anytime soon.

Unfortunately for the Browns, Shedeur Sanders' play hasn't been much better. After going 3-4 as Cleveland's starting quarterback in 2025, Sanders went 9-for-11 for 74 yards, one TD, and one interception this preseason, giving the Browns a mixed bag on the field and making their decision at starting quarterback that much harder this fall. To make things even more convoluted, 2025 third-round pick Dillon Gabriel played lights out (12-for-16, 186 yards, three TDs, and zero interceptions) this preseason -- only to suffer a back injury in the team's final preseason game and land on injured reserve.

In classic Cleveland Browns fashion, the team's one constant at quarterback this preseason has been the most unlikely option: sixth-round rookie Taylen Green. The former Arkansas Razorback has been flashy, productive, and, most importantly, healthy this fall, making him a surprising part of the Browns' QB room over the past few weeks.

The odds of Green starting over Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders anytime soon are unlikely, but after going 5-for-7 for 27 yards and rushing eight times for 66 yards in his preseason debut, he's firmly earned his spot on the Cleveland Browns' roster heading into the 2026 season. With Gabriel on injured reserve, Green is now one injury or a string of poor performances away from seeing meaningful NFL snaps. And as the franchise has repeatedly shown, all it takes is a few bad games and a couple of injuries for the Browns to throw a new QB into the fire.

For now, Taylen Green will want to soak up as much NFL coaching experience as he can, as he still has some pretty raw throwing mechanics that he was working to refine even before his time at the University of Arkansas. After throwing 20 interceptions in 25 games for the Hogs, he has shown a propensity to turn the ball over; however, as his 30-yard scamper in his sole preseason appearance demonstrated, Green has also shown flashes of next-level talent. Now, it's up to the Browns to figure out how -- and if -- to use it.

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