Cam Ward may be the star of the eyes for the Cleveland Browns, who are seriously looking for their next franchise quarterback. The Miami Hurricanes quarterback has emerged as the rumored top pick for the Browns in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Deshaun Watson is sidelined for the season after a brutal Achilles tear, and even if he wasn’t, the Browns desperately need a long-term solution at the QB position. Amid all the suspense and speculation, Nick Karns, a Cleveland reporter, has the rumor mill running as he hinted that Ward could be Cleveland-bound next April.
Ken Carman just said the Browns are taking a QB in April.
Is it officially Cam Ward SZN?! pic.twitter.com/GfsThCZ3nw
— Nick Karns (@karnsies817) October 25, 2024
Cleveland currently holds the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. After Watson’s disastrous run with the franchise, Cleveland is eyeing Ward. His fully guaranteed $230 million contract has left the Browns in a tricky financial spot.
Given the situation, a rookie QB on a cheaper deal is the ideal fix. Ward is having an amazing season with the Hurricanes, where he’s putting up Heisman-worthy numbers. The 22-year-old QB hailing from Texas already has 2,538 yards and 24 touchdowns to his name.
ALSO READ: Watson’s Contract Details: Breaking Down QB’s Deal After Achilles Injury
However, the Browns might not be alone in their pursuit. The New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers are slated to pick ahead of them. Cleveland could scoop up a quarterback if Carolina decides to pass on one.
Bleacher Report’s NFL Scouting Department suggests that Ward could be the answer Cleveland desperately needs. This will also allow the Browns to finally move on from the Watson era and rebuild their future around a fresh new star.
Browns Fans Not Divided on Cam Ward Rumors
Browns fans feel mixed emotions over rumors of Ward potentially joining their quarterback room in the 2025 NFL Draft. Ward, who has shown incredible improvement from his days at Incarnate Word to Washington State and now Miami, is one of college football’s hottest quarterback assets.
However, Browns fans aren’t all sold on the idea of him being their next franchise quarterback.
“Drafting a QB that doesn’t take snaps under center sounds like a fantastic idea for a [head coach Kevin] Stefanski offense,” one fan sarcastically commented.
While another said, “Not really sure about that sidearm, short arm delivery.”
Some fear Ward might resemble Deshaun Watson too much, with one user labeling him “Watson 2.0.”
READ MORE: Top 10 QBs in the 2025 NFL Draft
But not everyone’s pessimistic. A vocal group of fans sees Ward as the best option available, with one saying, “Ward at all costs!”
Another proclaimed, “He’s the best in the class by far.”
“I’d be happier with him over [Shedeur Sanders],” said one more stating his preference.
Despite the divide, Ward’s natural arm talent and big-play potential have everyone talking.
