Andrew Buller-Russ
The Cleveland Browns thought they solved their longstanding quarterback woes by winning the Deshaun Watson trade sweepstakes in 2022. Three years later, the Browns are still searching for a Pro Bowl-level performance out of the leader of their offense.
Watson recently re-tore the already-torn Achilles tendon that ended his 2024 season, which places his status for 2025 in doubt. This means the Browns are down to 2023 fifth-round selection Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who had the NFL’s worst completion rate, as the lone quarterback on the roster heading into the offseason.
While the Browns have the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, they’re bound to add multiple quarterbacks to the roster. Now, they’ve been linked to a pair of veteran solutions, one of which has a long Pro Bowl resume.
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Cleveland Browns could have interest in Kirk Cousins or Daniel Jones
Even if the Cleveland Browns do add a rookie quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft, they’re likely to still bring in a veteran who can help coach young players like DTR or the incoming rookie. That veteran may even end up starting for the entire season, depending on how invested the Browns are in whichever prospect they land.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Browns may even turn to a quarterback with ties to head coach Kevin Stefanski, like Kirk Cousins this offseason. Cousins is a four-time Pro Bowler who’s led his team to the playoffs four times.
Another quarterback Pelissero linked to the Browns was Daniel Jones, who led the New York Giants to a playoff win over the Minnesota Vikings in 2022.
“They are going to be in position to potentially take Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders if they feel like the value is there. Regardless, I would anticipate they also add a veteran to the mix. Kirk Cousins has a relationship with Kevin Stefanski. He could be an economical option if and when the Falcons release him. Don’t overlook Daniel Jones in Cleveland either.”
Pelissero on Cleveland Browns QB plans
Jones finished the 2024 season with the Vikings after getting released by the Giants, but the former No. 6 overall pick brings 69 games of NFL starting experience and will be just 28 next season. The Browns could view Jones as a potential breakout candidate under coach Stefanski, much like Sam Darnold was as Kevin O’Connell won Coach of the Year in Minnesota this past season.
Either way, expect the Browns to register interest in a number of quarterbacks, both rookies and veterans, as the offseason continues.
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