The Cleveland Browns have long been tied to Deshaun Watson as their supposed franchise quarterback. However, following Watson’s second consecutive season-ending injury earlier this month, the franchise may already be looking past him—at least when it comes to the field.
For years, the line from the front office has been clear: Watson is the guy. But that narrative shifted dramatically after general manager Andrew Berry’s comments about the quarterback’s future. Berry now acknowledges the possibility that Watson might not even take another snap for the Browns in 2025 and 2026, when the team will be forced to absorb massive salary cap hits of $73 million each year due to Watson’s contract. This leaves Cleveland in a precarious situation—stuck with Watson on the balance sheet but potentially looking for a new direction at quarterback.
So, what options do the Browns have moving forward? Let’s break down the possibilities.
The Draft: A Top-Five Pick with a Limited Pool of Options
Cleveland is expected to land a high draft pick in 2024, likely somewhere in the top five. On paper, this is a prime opportunity to select a quarterback of the future. However, the options in the draft are more limited than in previous years. The top quarterbacks, like Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) and Cam Ward (Miami), are expected to go early, and neither may be available when the Browns pick. Additionally, the cost of drafting a rookie quarterback—especially in the top five—could mean a significant financial commitment in terms of both salary and draft capital. This could run Cleveland upwards of $10 million in annual average salary for a player who is still unproven at the NFL level.
A Bridge Quarterback: A Smarter Approach?
If the Browns aren’t keen on investing top-tier draft resources into a quarterback, they could opt for a value pick in the second or third round, giving them a rookie signal-caller with potential but less financial strain. This approach could be complemented by acquiring a veteran quarterback to serve as a bridge until the rookie is ready to start.
One intriguing option in this scenario is Aaron Rodgers.
Could Aaron Rodgers Be the Bridge Cleveland Needs?
Rodgers, the four-time MVP and future Hall of Famer, has had a turbulent tenure with the New York Jets, and it seems increasingly likely that his time in New York could come to an abrupt end after just one season. Jets owner Woody Johnson even floated the idea of benching Rodgers earlier this season, and with Rodgers set to turn 41 in December, his future in New York is uncertain.
Here’s the interesting part for the Browns: Rodgers might not cost Cleveland much to acquire in a trade. His base salary for 2025 is just $2.5 million—four times less than what the Browns would pay a top rookie quarterback drafted at the top of the draft. The Jets are also expected to move into a rebuild mode, which could make Rodgers available at a very reasonable price.
While a trade for Rodgers isn’t without its risks—he’ll be 42 by the time the 2025 season starts—his experience and leadership could be exactly what the Browns need to bridge the gap between Watson’s departure and the arrival of a future franchise quarterback.
Why Aaron Rodgers Makes Sense for the Browns
Rodgers would undoubtedly be an upgrade over Watson, who has failed to stay healthy and hasn’t been effective when on the field. With the Browns’ defense among the league’s best in 2023 and some improvements to the offensive line, Rodgers could potentially lead Cleveland back to the playoffs. Even in a down year, the Browns were just one season removed from being the AFC’s top wildcard team, and a healthy Rodgers would certainly be a better option than the current group of quarterbacks, including Jameis Winston and rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson, neither of whom are seen as long-term solutions.
Rodgers isn’t a multi-year answer, but he could still provide Cleveland with the stability they need in the short term, allowing the team to focus on building a competitive roster while preparing for a new quarterback to take the reins in 2026 or beyond. A year or two with Rodgers could provide the Browns with enough of a stopgap to remain competitive while not tying up resources in a long-term deal that doesn’t make sense for their current timeline.
Moving on from Watson: A Clean Break for the Browns?
If the Browns acquire Rodgers, it could signal the beginning of a clean break from Watson, both financially and on the field. The team is stuck with Watson’s enormous contract, but they don’t have to wait around for him to get healthy again to see if he can fulfill his potential. Rodgers could offer a fresh start and a higher floor for the Browns, even if he is no longer the elite player he once was.
In the grand scheme, this might not be a championship solution for the Browns. However, it could represent a much-needed step forward. By securing Rodgers for a reasonable price and giving him a chance to lead the team back into contention, Cleveland can close the door on the Watson era while keeping their playoff hopes alive in the short term.
With Rodgers under center, the Browns would gain the leadership and experience needed to stay competitive while preparing for their next franchise quarterback—whenever that may be. The future may still be uncertain, but at least the Browns would have a plan moving forward.
