After a 3-14 season, the Cleveland Browns now have the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The team’s struggles at quarterback have been well-documented, and with Deshaun Watson’s ongoing injury issues and disappointing performance, Cleveland is looking to make some key changes under center.
The Browns are expected to add two quarterbacks this offseason, and according to multiple sources, Cleveland’s strategy for the quarterback position is becoming clearer as the draft approaches.
Dan Graziano: Browns Expected to Select QB at No. 2
ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano spoke about the Browns’ intentions to secure one of the top quarterbacks in the draft, and it seems highly likely they’ll stay at No. 2 to do so.
“The overwhelming belief of the people I spoke to this week is that the Browns plan to stay put at No. 2 in the draft and take one of the top quarterbacks. Their preference between Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders is unclear, but if one goes at No. 1, I believe they’d be OK with taking the other,” Graziano wrote.
The Browns have clearly been evaluating multiple quarterbacks in the 2025 class, with Ward and Sanders standing out as two of the top candidates. Ward’s dual-threat ability and Sanders’ leadership and confidence are key factors that make them enticing options. If the Tennessee Titans or another team takes one of them at No. 1, the Browns are more than comfortable with the other falling to them.
Jeremy Fowler: Veteran QBs on Cleveland’s Radar
As Cleveland focuses on its future, they’re also keeping an eye on the quarterback market. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler also shared some insight into the Browns’ strategy when it comes to free agency, with several veterans reportedly on their radar.
“The Browns will consider cost when it comes to the quarterback market, given they still owe injured Watson that $92 million over the next two years. People I’ve talked to expect Daniel Jones to be on their radar, along with Kirk Cousins if he becomes available (though, surprisingly, not every team official is buying that the Falcons will just cut him outright, despite the significant money owed to him). Another name to watch here is Carson Wentz,” Fowler wrote.
With Watson’s substantial salary and injury issues (tore his Achilles twice in the span of three months), the Browns will need to balance their cap space carefully. Jones, Cousins, and Wentz are all potential targets, though each brings a different dynamic.
Jones is coming off a season with a PFSN QB+ of 64.1, ranking him 32nd in the league, while Cousins posted a QB+ of 71.2, ranking 24th. Wentz, who didn’t even qualify for a PFSN QB+ rating last season, remains an enigma but could still be an option.
Deshaun Watson’s Struggles and the Browns’ Future Plans
While Watson remains the Browns’ highest-paid player, his performance in 2025 did not live up to expectations. His PFSN QB+ rating for the regular season was 44.3 (F), which ranked him 39th in the league.
Watson played through injuries, and despite his hefty contract, his play left much to be desired. His Achilles injuries have made the situation in Cleveland even more complicated.
The Browns are expected to add two quarterbacks this offseason: one through the draft and another veteran via free agency. This dual approach ensures that Cleveland has options for the short-term and long-term future of their franchise.