The Cleveland Browns’ situation at quarterback has been a total disaster.
Despite being accused of sexual misconduct by two dozen massage therapists during his time with the Houston Texans and settling lawsuits with many of them, the Browns traded for Deshaun Watson before the 2022 season. They then decided to give Watson a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract. To say it hasn’t gone well is an understatement.
In his first three seasons with Cleveland, Watson has been one of the worst quarterbacks in the NFL. He’s only made 19 starts during that time due to suspension and injuries, including tearing his Achilles last October. His record stands at 9-10. He has thrown 19 touchdowns to 12 interceptions and been sacked 70 times.
Watson is owed $46 million in each of the next two seasons with a cap hit of $72.9 million. He re-tore his Achilles during rehab and will miss significant time in 2025.
The Browns own the second-overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. They could select either Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders to be their QB of the future. However, they still need a veteran presence under center for the upcoming season. That’s why an NFL insider predicts the Browns will sign a former first-round pick to be their quarterback for 2025.
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ESPN’s Aaron Schatz believes the Browns will turn to Justin Fields to be their quarterback for next season. Fields, selected 11th overall by the Chicago Bears in 2021, performed well in the six games he started for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024. He went 4-2, throwing for 1,106 yards and five touchdowns with just one interception. He also ran for another 289 yards and five scores.
He was ultimately replaced by Russell Wilson in the starting lineup when the veteran recovered from his calf injury.
“Fields had 50.8 QBR this past season to Pittsburgh teammate Russell Wilson’s 51.3,” notes Schatz. “But the Browns need the upside of the soon-to-be 26-year-old Fields more than the floor of the 36-year-old Wilson. If Fields has to start over a rookie, his mobility would open up lanes for the running backs. The Browns could also build up other positions through the draft, giving Fields a season to show he can build on his 2024 improvement after his first three seasons in Chicago went poorly.”
If the Browns go the Fields route, they could select defensive end Abdul Carter or Heisman Trophy-winning wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter at No. 2. They could also select a quarterback on Day 2 like Quinn Ewers or Jalen Milroe. Either could potentially develop into a starting NFL QB.
Over four NFL seasons, Fields has compiled a 14-30 record. He has thrown for 7,780 yards with 45 touchdowns and 31 interceptions. His completion percentage stands at 61.1% with a passer rating of 83.9. He’s also rushed for 19 scores.
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