The Cleveland Browns are in a tricky spot as they search for a veteran quarterback to fill the gap left by Deshaun Watson's injury. While rumors swirl around Shedeur Sanders, it's becoming clear that Kenny Pickett might not be the backup plan the Browns need as they approach the new season.
During a recent episode of the Rich Eisen Show, former Las Vegas Raiders general manager Mike Mayock weighed in on the Browns' quarterback search. He highlighted two notable options, saying:
"We got to go find a veteran and Aaron Rodgers, if he goes to Pittsburgh, like we all think, you know, at the end of the day, what does that leave for a quality veteran starter? To me, it's Kirk Cousins and Derek Carr."
But the real challenge for Cleveland could lie in missing out on these top-tier veterans. Mayock noted:
"If you don't get either one of them, then uh oh, we're in the Carson Wentz, Ryan Tannehill, Joe Flacco world, and you got to be careful, because I'm not sure you want Kenny Pickett under center week one in Cleveland."
As the conversation continues, one potential trade target for the Browns is Kirk Cousins. The buzz around Cousins is fueled by the Atlanta Falcons' willingness to part ways with him, especially after a rough season marked by interceptions and fumbles.
Dan Orlovsky, a former Detroit Lions quarterback, shared his thoughts on the Pat McAfee Show, suggesting that the Browns could become contenders if they acquire Cousins and pair him up with a player like Travis Hunter:
"With the Browns, if Kirk Cousins becomes their starting quarterback and they add a player like Travis Hunter... I think they immediately become a competitive football team and I would bank on that being the case."
However, financial hurdles loom large. According to D.
Orlando Ledbetter from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, speaking on 92.3 The Fan, the massive contract Cousins carries might be a deal-breaker. He likened it to the situation in Denver with Russell Wilson:
"[The Falcons] got the money, they paid him the money, they're not getting anything back. They got 14 games for $100 million and appear to be fine holding him hostage... Cleveland doesn't have $40 million, more dead money to put in on a quarterback when they have Deshaun sitting there."
Ledbetter further explained the challenges of crafting a trade that works for both sides:
"The Browns wouldn't give them a draft pick. There's no trade that we can come up with that works...
The problem is the Browns are taking the [salary cap] hit number that is moving with him. So they can't take it on."
As the Browns navigate these obstacles, all eyes will be on the upcoming 2025 Draft, held from April 24 to 26 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. With these complex considerations in play, finding the right fit at quarterback for Cleveland has never been more critical.
