Before the NFL's "legal tampering" period kicked off on March 11, the rumor mill had the Cleveland Browns eyeing Indianapolis Colts backup QB Anthony Richardson Sr. and Green Bay Packers backup Malik Willis. However, Willis took his talents to the Miami Dolphins, and the Colts are sticking with Daniel Jones as their starter through 2026.
Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot recently addressed the buzz about Richardson potentially landing in Cleveland. According to Cabot, the Browns were never seriously considering a trade for Richardson, despite the swirling rumors.
The Browns typically do their homework on available veterans, but Richardson was never truly in their plans. Instead, they're set to move forward with Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders as their top contenders for the starting role in 2026, unless the draft shakes things up.
Richardson, a first-round pick in 2023, is seen as a bit of a project. He's had a rough start with injuries, missing 17 regular-season games so far, and recently suffered an orbital fracture during a warmup in October 2025. With Sanders already in the mix as a developing talent, and Watson looking to bounce back from a torn Achilles, the Browns seem content with their current quarterback room.
As for Malik Willis, there was chatter that agent David Mulugheta wouldn't want his clients, Willis and Watson, competing for the same job. Cabot noted that financial factors also played a role in Cleveland's decision not to pursue Willis more aggressively. The Dolphins offered Willis a three-year deal at $22.5 million per year, with $45 million guaranteed, a price the Browns couldn't match due to Watson's hefty $46 million-a-year contract.
Given these cap constraints, it seems unlikely the Browns will make any big moves at quarterback in the coming months. While the NFL is always full of surprises, it looks like either Sanders or Watson will be leading the charge for Cleveland come September.