The Cleveland Browns are in the thick of another pivotal offseason, and the roadmap ahead is all about one thing: finding the quarterback who can finally get them over the hump. Whether that means taking a swing in the draft or bringing in a veteran presence to steady the ship, the Browns are clearly watching how teams like the Seahawks and Patriots have navigated recent transitions. Both franchises recently made head coaching changes - a move Cleveland has mirrored - and both are now trying to retool around the most important position in football.
General Manager Andrew Berry has no shortage of decisions to make, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Despite Shedeur Sanders earning a Pro Bowl nod, there’s still a lingering sense of uncertainty about whether he’s the long-term answer under center in Cleveland. Sanders has flashed talent, no doubt - but in a league where consistency and ceiling matter just as much as accolades, the Browns aren’t sitting back and assuming the job is locked down.
And now, there’s a new twist in the quarterback carousel. On Super Bowl Sunday, a familiar name surfaced as a potential option: Derek Carr.
Yes, that Derek Carr - the four-time Pro Bowler who retired last offseason after dealing with a lingering shoulder issue. A few months back, Carr was asked about a possible return to football, and his response was telling: “Never say never.
Because I’ve learned that when I say never, it usually happens.” That door, even if barely cracked open, is enough to get teams like the Browns thinking.
Carr, who last made the Pro Bowl in 2022, wrapped up an 11-year career with 65% completion, 257 touchdown passes, and 112 interceptions. He was still under contract with the Saints when he stepped away, with two years remaining on a four-year deal. New Orleans restructured that contract before his retirement, kicking cap hits down the road - a move that would likely necessitate a reworked deal if Carr were to return.
The Saints still hold Carr’s rights, but with Tyler Shough now in place as their quarterback of the future, they’re not expected to demand a hefty trade package. That opens the door for a team like Cleveland to make a move - assuming, of course, Carr is ready to return and the Browns are ready to commit.
The situation isn’t unlike what we’re seeing in Seattle, where Sam Darnold is being viewed as a bridge option while the Seahawks assess long-term plans. Carr could fill a similar role in Cleveland: a steady veteran who helps stabilize the offense while the front office figures out what’s next.
The decision may ultimately come down to whether new Browns head coach Todd Monken sees Carr as a fit in his system - and whether Cleveland can offer the right mix of opportunity, support, and financial incentive to lure Carr out of retirement. Carr, for now, is enjoying life away from the game, spending time with family and focusing on off-field projects. But if the right situation presents itself, it’s not out of the question that he suits up again.
For the Browns, it’s another layer in what’s shaping up to be a high-stakes offseason. The pieces are there - a strong defense, a creative coaching staff, and a front office that’s not afraid to be aggressive.
Now, it’s about finding the quarterback who can tie it all together. Whether that’s Sanders, Carr, or someone else entirely remains to be seen.
But one thing’s clear: Cleveland’s window is open, and the decisions made in the next few months will define just how far they can go.