With the NFL's deepest QB room, is it wise for the Browns to target another experienced quarterback in a trade?
Cleveland Browns QB situation (Credit: @_dillongabriel_/X)
The Cleveland Browns find themselves in a familiar position — once again surrounded by quarterback uncertainty. With Deshaun Watson's Achilles rupture sidelining him for the remainder of the 2024 NFL season and a reinjury during rehab in January casting doubt over his availability for 2025, the team had been bracing for a future without its high-profile quarterback.
But recent developments have reopened a sliver of hope.
Should the Browns risk their QB chemistry to trade for a more consistent and experienced playmaker?
In May, it was reported that the Browns had not ruled out the possibility of Watson returning at some point during the 2025 season. While that update stirred optimism among fans, the reality remains murky. Watson's clearance to play is far from certain, and the Browns may not even be counting on him to reclaim his role. In fact, Cleveland has made significant offseason moves suggesting they're prepared to move forward without him — at least for now.
The team loaded up its quarterback room, adding veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett alongside rookie hopefuls Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. That quartet is set to compete fiercely in training camp, with hopes pinned especially on the younger talents to emerge as future starters. The veterans, while experienced, carry question marks — Flacco's prime is long behind him, and Pickett's inconsistency in Pittsburgh hardly inspired confidence.
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BROWNS QB BATTLE HEATS UP AS TEAM OTA PRACTICES UNDERWAY - The Daily Grossi
If the Browns are banking on Watson making a miracle comeback to save their season, it likely means things have gone south early. That's why outside voices are urging the front office to consider a more aggressive move.
The Draft Network's Justin Melo made waves with a bold suggestion: Cleveland should pursue Kirk Cousins. As Melo put it, "Cleveland's ceiling would be significantly higher with Cousins at quarterback.
The Browns possess a stellar roster, and it's easy to envision the four-time Pro Bowler keeping them in postseason contention. We're not convinced Flacco or Pickett could achieve the same. Adding Cousins would allow Gabriel and Sanders to develop slowly behind the scenes.
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Despite a turbulent 2024 season with the Falcons — where Cousins threw 18 touchdowns but also a league-high 16 interceptions — the veteran remains a more reliable hand than Flacco or Pickett.
His recent absence from Atlanta's OTAs adds fuel to the trade rumors, signaling that he may already be eyeing a change of scenery. That could lower his trade value and make him an appealing option for Cleveland — assuming the Browns are willing to part ways with one of their current quarterbacks.
As training camp looms, the Browns are running out of time to solidify their QB plan. Whether it's betting on youth, counting on a Watson resurgence, or making a move for Cousins, Cleveland's 2025 campaign may ultimately be defined by how they handle this high-stakes quarterback dilemma.
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The Kansas City Chiefs' jersey number no one dares to wear — and the heartbreaking reason why
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