The Browns might first look for an in-house solution before checking the open market. In that case, Jameis Winston replacing Deshaun Watson might be a decent option. In 12 games, the 31-year-old QB threw for 2,121 passing yards with 12 TDs and 61.1% pass completion rate. However, in case the Browns see Winston as their future, they might need to act fast as he is set to be a free agent once his contract ends at the end of 2024 season.
Colts' veteran QB Joe Flacco can also be a decent candidate to replace Deshaun Watson. In 8 games, Flacco has 1,761 passing yards with a 65.3% completion rate and 12 TDs. The veteran QB had a decent season.
Jacoby Brissett returned to the Patriots on a single year deal. In 8 games, he threw for 854 passing yards, with a 59% completion rate and two touchdowns. If he leaves the Patriots after this season, he could be a solid bridge QB while the Browns figure out their long-term solution.
Marcus Mariota served as Jayden Daniels' backup this season, but did get two games to be the main guy. He won both of them, completing 77.3% of his passes on the season with four passing touchdowns and one rushing TD.
Jimmy Garoppolo has starter experience, including taking the 49ers to a Super Bowl. The Rams let him start in Week 18. Jimmy G completed 65.9% of his passes, throwing for 334 yards and 2 TDs. covered 334 passing yards with just 2 TDs.
Jaguars' Mac Jones is another young QB the Browns could turn to as a possible Deshaun Watson replacement. Jones played 10 games this season and had a 65.3% pass completion rate, with 1,672 passing yards and 8 TDs. His contract with the Jags is set to expire at the end of the 2024 season and as of now there has been no extension talks which would hint at the QB staying back at Jacksonville for the 2025 season as well.
The Vikings are having a great season. Their QB Sam Darnold has been one of the major reasons behind the team's newfound success this season. In 17 games, Darnold has a 66.2% completion rate, with 4,319 passing yards and 35 TDs. The Vikings may not want to let him go, but after drafting J.J. McCarthy in the first round last year, they may not be able to afford to keep Darnold around.
29-year-old Joshua Dobbs is another potential replacement for the Browns. He has already had two past stints at Cleveland. He made one start for the 49ers in Week 18, but has previous experience with the Vikings and Cardinals.
Justin Fields started the first six games of the season for the Steelers, leading them to a 4-2 record. demoted to the backup role once Russell Wilson returned to action in the mid-October. In 10 games, Fields had a 65.8% completion rate, along with 1,106 passing yards and 5 TDs, while rushing for 289 yards and another 5 scores. Fields will undoubtedly be looking for another opportunity to start and probably deserves one.
Although Kirk Cousins joined the Falcons on a $180 million deal last year season, his time at the team's starter has come and gone. In 14 games he had a 66% completion rate, with 3,508 passing yards and 18 TDs under his belt. He was benched in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. ahead of Week 16. The veteran is unlikely to hang around as a $37 million backup. A trade to the Browns as a bridge QB makes a ton of sense.
