4 options still exist for the Cleveland Browns to add to their quarterback room including trading for a former first-round pick
The Cleveland Browns still have a few options to add to their quarterback room and starting competition.
The Cleveland Browns have been hard at work in free agency addressing the offensive line specifically.
Cleveland has added G Zion Johnson, C, Elgin Jenkins, and re-signed G Teven Jenkins. These moves came a week after the Browns acquired OT Tytus Howard from the Houston Texans.
The Browns still have a big question mark at the most important position in the game. Cleveland is going to give Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders a chance to be the starting quarterback, but bringing in another arm to compete for the job needs to be the move.
Let’s take a look at four options out there currently, not factoring in the NFL draft.
QB Anthony Richardson
The Colts are locked in with Daniel Jones being their quarterback for at least the 2025 season after signing him to a two-year deal worth $88 million. Richardson is now the odd man out as the former first-round pick by the Colts who was never able to become the starting quarterback.
Richardson has the physical tools coaches dream of as a quarterback, but he’s never been able to get the passing part down where he remains very raw. A Day 3 pick should get Richardson away from the Colts in what will be his final year on his rookie deal.
Injuries have been an issue for the 6-foot-4, 244-pound Richardson, and the most he’s played in the NFL was 11 games in 2024. The former Florida Gator had 1,814 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and 12 interceptions two seasons ago.
QB Kirk Cousins
Cousins has long been a quarterback connected to Cleveland off and on in his career. A year ago Browns fans wanted Cousins to be brought in but he never got loose from the Atlanta Falcons. Cousins has now been released by the Falcons and is free to sign with any team.
Still a capable quarterback who can give you a solid “floor” at the position. Cousins was 5-3 in eight starts for the Falcons last season and threw for 1,721 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Cousins will have options but Cleveland should at least be interested.
QB Russell Wilson
Monken’s connection to mobile quarterbacks could direct them to Wilson if the Browns want an experienced veteran, and depending on how the quarterback dominoes fall. Wilson looks to be a backup at this point in his career, but he’s still a possible option to make for more competition. Wilson is coming off of one-year stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants each.
Wilson didn’t look great last year with a 58 percent completion percentage, 831 passing yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions in three starts (six games total). The Browns had interest in Wilson a year ago and could circle back with a new head coach.
QB Trey Lance
Trey Lance will turn 26 in a couple of months and could have some untapped potential in Monken’s system. A dangerous runner who hasn’t lived up to the billing of the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Lance spent last season with the Chargers and has six starts in 16 career games.
Cleveland Browns News
Adam Schefter adds fuel to the fire around who the Cleveland Browns may have starting at quarterback in 2026
The Browns have a big decision to make at quarterback and Deshaun Watson is definitely in the mix.
