The Cleveland Browns' quarterback situation has been under the microscope for a while now-and for good reason. Despite their efforts, the team still hasn’t found a long-term answer under center.
But let’s be clear: the passing game woes don’t begin and end with the QB. There’s a glaring issue on the perimeter too, and it’s time to talk about it.
The Browns took a swing on Jerry Jeudy, hoping the former first-round pick would evolve into a true No. 1 receiver. Two seasons in, that bet hasn’t paid off.
Jeudy has shown flashes, but consistency and game-changing production just haven’t been there. If the Browns want to give their quarterback-whoever that ends up being-a real shot, they need to surround him with better weapons.
Specifically, a go-to wideout who can tilt the field.
Enter Chris Godwin. With Todd Monken now at the helm in Cleveland, there’s a potential reunion on the table.
Monken, who was Godwin’s offensive coordinator during the early part of his career in Tampa Bay, knows exactly what the veteran wideout brings to the table. And that familiarity could be key.
Godwin’s best season under Monken came in 2018, when he posted 842 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. That was part of a two-year stretch where he totaled 150 catches for 1,367 yards and eight scores across 32 games.
He wasn’t even a full-time starter then, which makes those numbers even more impressive. Monken helped unlock Godwin’s versatility as a route-runner and his toughness over the middle-traits that would immediately elevate Cleveland’s passing attack.
But this isn’t a no-brainer move. Godwin’s recent injury history is a concern.
He’s played just 16 games combined over the past two seasons, including only nine appearances (six starts) last year. Even so, he still managed 360 yards and two touchdowns-solid production for someone battling to stay on the field.
Then there’s the financial side. Godwin is set to make $22 million next season, and the Browns are already facing cap challenges.
There’s also a $20.5 million club option looming after that. For a player approaching 30 with a recent injury track record, that’s a hefty price tag.
Still, if the Buccaneers are open to moving him-especially with young talent like Emeka Egbuka emerging and Mike Evans potentially sticking around-this could be a real opportunity for Cleveland. The Browns need a reliable, battle-tested receiver who can win on third down, move the chains, and help stabilize an offense that’s lacked rhythm and identity.
Godwin checks those boxes. He’s not just a name from Monken’s past-he’s a proven playmaker when healthy. The question is whether the Browns are willing to take the risk on his durability and salary to get the kind of impact player they desperately need.
Cleveland's front office will have to weigh that risk carefully. But if they believe Monken can rekindle some of that Tampa Bay magic with Godwin, it might be a gamble worth taking. Because right now, the Browns don’t just need a quarterback-they need someone to catch the ball and make plays when it matters.