The Cleveland Browns have spent decades searching for stability under center. From draft busts to short-lived experiments, the quarterback carousel in Cleveland has spun faster than most fanbases could stomach.
Now, with a playoff-caliber defense already in place and two first-round picks in hand, the Browns are once again staring down a pivotal offseason. The question is: do they go bold and swing for a quarterback like Kyler Murray, or stay the course and wait for a better opportunity?
Let’s unpack what a potential trade for Murray would actually mean for this franchise - and whether it’s a risk worth taking.
Kyler Murray: A High-Ceiling Talent with High-Stakes Baggage
On paper, Murray is the most accomplished quarterback potentially available this offseason. He’s a former No. 1 overall pick, a two-time Pro Bowler, and one of the most electric dual-threat quarterbacks when healthy. That kind of résumé doesn’t hit the trade market often - and it’s exactly the kind of splash move Cleveland has chased before.
But this isn’t Madden. This is the NFL, and Murray’s situation is layered with complications.
First, the contract. Murray is owed nearly $79 million over the next two seasons, with a club option for 2028.
That’s a massive financial commitment for a Browns team already tight against the salary cap. GM Andrew Berry would need to pull off some serious cap gymnastics just to make the numbers work - and that’s assuming Murray would even agree to restructure his deal to facilitate a trade.
Then there’s the injury history. Murray has played in just 24 games over the past three seasons combined.
That’s not a typo. He’s missed significant time due to injuries, including a torn ACL, and the hits have clearly taken a toll.
Once known for his elite escapability, Murray hasn’t looked nearly as mobile recently - a major concern for a quarterback whose game relies so heavily on movement.
And let’s not ignore the durability question. At 5'10", 207 pounds, Murray has always been an outlier physically. In a division like the AFC North - where defenses hit hard and weather often turns ugly - that’s a tough ask for any quarterback, let alone one with a growing injury history.
Leadership, Fit, and the Browns’ Bigger Picture
Beyond the physical concerns, there’s the matter of fit. Murray’s tenure in Arizona has been rocky, to say the least.
From the much-publicized "homework clause" in his contract - which required him to spend a minimum amount of time studying film - to reports of friction with teammates and questions about his leadership, there’s a lot of smoke here. And in the NFL, where locker room chemistry matters just as much as arm strength, that can’t be ignored.
The Browns have built a culture under Kevin Stefanski that emphasizes accountability and team-first mentality. Dropping a polarizing figure like Murray into that mix could disrupt the progress they’ve made - especially if the results don’t come quickly.
Yes, Murray would be a clear upgrade over the current quarterback room, which features young, unproven talent like Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. But the Browns aren’t in a position where they have to make a desperation move. Their defense is already playoff-ready, and with a potentially loaded quarterback class coming in 2027, patience might actually be the smarter play.
Final Thoughts: Tempting, But Tread Carefully
There’s no denying Kyler Murray’s talent. When he’s on, he can take over a game like few others.
But trading for him means taking on a massive contract, betting on his health, and hoping that the off-field concerns don’t follow him to Cleveland. That’s a lot of ifs for a franchise that’s been burned before.
With two first-round picks in a draft class light on elite quarterback talent, the Browns will have options. But mortgaging part of their future for a high-risk, high-reward player like Murray might not be the wisest move - not when the long-term outlook could be brighter with a little patience.
Sometimes, the boldest move is the one you don’t make.