For nearly three decades, the Cleveland Browns have been on a relentless quest for a franchise quarterback. It's become a saga synonymous with the team, almost like a running joke that fans hope will finally see a punchline.
Enter Todd Monken, the offensive mind tasked with breathing new life into Cleveland's attack. But for Monken to truly work his magic, he needs a quarterback to build around.
Some folks are buzzing about Malik Willis as a potential fit, given Monken's affinity for dual-threat, athletic quarterbacks. On paper, it seems like a match made in football heaven.
But when you dig into the details, the numbers tell a different story.
According to projections, Willis is eyeing a two-year, $71 million deal in free agency. That breaks down to an eye-popping $35.5 million per year, putting him ahead of seasoned names like Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, and even Aaron Rodgers. It's a hefty price tag for a player who, despite showing promise, remains largely unproven.
Willis made significant strides during his stint with the Green Bay Packers, learning under the tutelage of Jordan Love and coach Matt LaFleur. At just 26, he's ripe for a team in need of a long-term solution. But for the Browns, shelling out that kind of cash feels like a gamble they can't afford to take.
With only $3.2 million in available cap space, Cleveland's financial flexibility is limited. Sure, they could shuffle contracts and make room, but convincing Deshaun Watson to restructure for a potential replacement seems unlikely.
The last time Cleveland splurged on a quarterback, it didn't pan out. While Willis could be a short-term fix, the Browns have other pressing needs in free agency that require attention.
Willis undoubtedly has the talent to shine in the right system, and pairing him with Monken is an enticing thought. But given the limited sample size and the financial implications, it's a risk the Browns - or any team - should think twice about taking.