The NFL offseason is buzzing with anticipation, and all eyes are on the Cleveland Browns as they navigate their quarterback situation for the upcoming season. It's a familiar scenario for the Browns, who have often found themselves in search of stability under center.
For 2026, it looks like Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson are set to be key players in the Browns' quarterback room. However, the big question remains: Who will be the third quarterback, and ultimately, who will take the reins as the starter?
As the free agency period kicks off, there was plenty of chatter about potential veteran quarterbacks the Browns might pursue. But as the dust begins to settle, it's becoming evident that Cleveland's quarterback lineup won't see dramatic changes.
While some fans held out hope for a splashy move, the reality is setting in as veteran quarterbacks find homes elsewhere.
The Browns have yet to make a serious play for any veteran quarterbacks
One name that was frequently tossed around for Cleveland was former Green Bay Packer Malik Willis. However, Willis inked a three-year, $67.5 million deal with the Miami Dolphins on Monday-a move that seemed inevitable to those paying close attention. And he's not the only veteran off the board.
Tua Tagovailoa has signed with the Atlanta Falcons, Geno Smith has been traded from the Las Vegas Raiders to the New York Jets, and the San Francisco 49ers' asking price for Mac Jones remains too steep for any team. The next big piece in the puzzle is Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, who is expected to be released on Wednesday. With Murray already linked to teams like the Minnesota Vikings and Indianapolis Colts, the Browns are likely out of the running for his services as well.
This leaves Cleveland with options like Russell Wilson, Jimmy Garoppolo, Carson Wentz, and Anthony Richardson as potential trade targets. However, pursuing any of these quarterbacks doesn't seem to align with the Browns' strategy.
That points to the draft as the most plausible path for a shake-up in the quarterback room. Unless the Browns become enamored with a prospect like Ty Simpson, it's unlikely they'll prioritize selecting a new quarterback in the draft.
As the offseason unfolds, the Browns' quarterback situation remains a captivating storyline, with fans eagerly awaiting the team's next move.