The Deshaun Watson contract is going to have a significant impact on who will be the Cleveland Browns starting quarterback in 2025. While top options like Matthew Stafford, Sam Darnold and Aaron Rodgers are available, the cap hit left by Watson’s deal significantly limits the Browns’ options.
Cleveland’s salary-cap situation is also why a Myles Garrett trade is unlikely right now. As previously covered, trading Garrett before June would carry a $36 million dead cap hit and moving him later would mean not acquiring picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Related: Cleveland Browns could make a surprise move in 2025 NFL Draft
With limited options, the Browns front office and coaching staff are depending on one of two things falling their way. While history hasn’t typically been on the franchise’s side and the organization’s quarterback decisions have often backfired, there are two paths to a cost-effective starter.
Around the NFL, per Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline, several believe that the Browns would first like to come out of the 2025 NFL Draft with Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward. The Heisman Trophy finalist is viewed as the best player at his position, but Cleveland needs the Tennessee Titans to pass on him at No. 1 overall.
Related: Pro Bowl QB generating trade interest from the Cleveland Browns
If Ward is the first pick, as reflected in the latest NFL mock draft, those same people inside the league believe that Cleveland would then focus its efforts on landing quarterback Kirk Cousins.
While the Atlanta Falcons have stated a willingness to keep Cousins as their backup quarterback in 2025 but would prefer to trade him, the expectation is he will be released. Because Atlanta will be responsible for covering his salary next season, much like the Denver Broncos did with Russell Wilson in 2024, Cleveland could sign him for close to the veterans’ minimum.
Not only would Cousins be guaranteed a starting spot in 2025, but he would work with a Browns coaching staff led by Kevin Stefanski. After struggling under a first-year offensive coordinator last season in Atlanta, reuniting with Stefanski would give him familiarity and he could start for a franchise that would be elated to have stable play from its quarterback.
Related: Insider suggests surprise outcome to Myles Garrett turmoil with Cleveland Browns