Based on Albert Breer’s comments, Cleveland could alter their plans at the position this offseason
Since Deshaun Watson arrived via trade in 2022, the Cleveland Browns have experienced consistent turnover at the quarterback position. Though the team has seemingly found a way to win some games, they’d like to do everything possible to solidify the position going forward.
Cleveland has been signing stop-gap players at the position such as Joe Flacco and Jameis Winston over the past couple of seasons to back up Watson, which would be fine in a normal situation, but it’s fairly obvious that this isn’t a normal situation.
The Deshaun Watson debacle has become a nightmare for the organization and it finally appears that the team is willing to take action and attempt to put it behind them. They probably won’t say it publicly, but whoever they end up bringing in will most likely have a legitimate opportunity to become the starter in 2025 and beyond.
According to the MMQB’s Albert Breer:
“Until now, the Browns have built a quarterback room to support Watson,” Breer said. “This year, they’ll look, through the draft and/or the veteran market, to add competition to the room. So while the likelihood—because of the injury and the contract—is Watson will be back, the Browns are going to look to do more than just stop-gap the backup spot.”
Based on one of our articles published a few weeks ago, there is a decent number of free-agent quarterbacks that could be available to Cleveland this offseason. Some of the headliners are:
Sam Darnold – Minnesota Vikings
He’s seemingly resurrected his career with Minnesota in 2024 so far, leading them to a 9-2 record with a QBR of 59.3. (14th in the NFL)
Russell Wilson – Pittsburgh Steelers
Wilson pretty much gets the job done wherever he goes and judging from his performance against Cleveland on Thursday night, he’s still got it. It’s going to be interesting to see if Pittsburgh lets him leave in the offseason.
Justin Fields – Pittsburgh Steelers
Fields has improved as a passer since being drafted and looked competent as a starter for the Steelers this season before Wilson took over. His athleticism and ability to make plays out of structure is a highly sought-after trait at the QB position.
Jacoby Brissett – New England Patriots
Brissett is a fairly average quarterback but he does a good job of quickly going through his reads and taking what the defense gives him. He’s not going to win games by himself but he’s a competent game manager.
Jimmy Garoppolo – Los Angeles Rams
“Jimmy G” was once a fairly hot commodity as San Francisco’s starter but injuries have completely derailed his career over the past few seasons. When he’s healthy, he tends to be pretty good.
Jameis Winston – Cleveland Browns
Bringing back Winston might be the most logical answer depending on the amount of competition for his services. The Browns have been more than competent on offense with Winston at the helm, and he’s shown the ability to make “winning” plays.
Out of the six quarterbacks mentioned, who would you sign if you were Cleveland? Join fellow Browns fans in the comment section below.