The Cleveland Browns are facing an uncertain future at quarterback. With Deshaun Watson out for the season due to a torn Achilles tendon, the team is scrambling to find stability at one of the most pivotal positions in the NFL. As the Browns search for a long-term solution, one name has surfaced as a potential short-term fix: Jameis Winston.
Winston, the erratic but undeniably talented quarterback, has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, but his tendency to turn the ball over has held him back. His performance in a high-scoring Monday Night Football loss to the Denver Broncos (497 yards, 4 touchdowns, 3 interceptions) demonstrated both his potential and his limitations. The question now is whether Winston could provide the Browns with enough stability in the wake of Watson’s injury, or whether they need to explore other options for 2025 and beyond.
Is Deshaun Watson’s Time in Cleveland Over?
Deshaun Watson’s tenure in Cleveland has been rocky, and ESPN’s Mina Kimes suggested on Tuesday that his time as the team’s starting quarterback might be finished — possibly for good. Watson, who signed a massive five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract with the Browns, was never able to regain the form he had in Houston before the suspension and legal battles that marred his career.
Watson’s Achilles injury has now put his season to an end, and Kimes, appearing on “The Mina Kimes Show featuring Lenny,” speculated that the Browns might not even need him moving forward, regardless of his recovery. “There’s no real benefit for [the Browns] from moving on from Deshaun Watson, but there’s no reason for them to play him at this point,” Kimes said. “I think we can all safely say it’s over.”
This leaves the Browns in a precarious situation at quarterback. Can they find a way to move forward with Watson in the future? Or is it time to start fresh, looking at the 2025 season and beyond?
Jameis Winston: A High Ceiling, High Risk Proposition
One potential solution for the Browns is Jameis Winston, who has proven that he can put up impressive stats — albeit with a fair share of mistakes. Winston’s performance against the Broncos was a microcosm of his career: flashes of brilliance mixed with costly turnovers. His 497-yard, four-touchdown effort was eye-popping, but his three interceptions directly contributed to two defensive touchdowns for Denver. This kind of inconsistency has defined Winston’s career, which has been marked by high yards and touchdown totals, but also by his penchant for giving the ball away at inopportune times.
Winston is on a one-year, $4 million deal, making him an affordable option for the Browns, especially given his ability to put up big numbers. However, his erratic play style could be a gamble. ESPN’s Dominique Foxworth expressed caution about fully committing to Winston, suggesting that while his arm and ability to rack up stats are attractive, the risk might outweigh the reward. “I’d rather have a lower ceiling, [higher] floor quarterback than Jameis,” Foxworth said. “They’re gonna have to get lucky. They’re gonna have to do a Brock Purdy situation.”
Foxworth’s comments highlight the dilemma the Browns face: while Winston can offer explosive moments, his turnovers make him a potential liability in critical situations. Is he the right player for a team that believes it has the roster to contend?
Is There a Better Option? The Case for Justin Fields
While Winston might be the most immediate option, Foxworth also pointed out that the Browns could look to the market for another quarterback, with one name in particular standing out: Justin Fields. Fields, currently with the Pittsburgh Steelers after being traded from the Chicago Bears, has struggled at times but has also shown promise, particularly as a dual-threat quarterback who can make plays with his legs and arm.
Fields is in the final year of his rookie contract, and his market value is relatively affordable, with a projected annual salary of $9.2 million for a one-year deal. His time in Chicago didn’t live up to expectations, but he earned a 4-2 record in six starts for the Steelers this season, throwing 10 touchdowns to just one interception. While he’s not a surefire answer for the Browns, his potential — combined with his relatively low cost — could make him an intriguing option for a team looking to rebuild its quarterback situation.
What Will the Browns Do?
The Cleveland Browns are stuck in a tough spot. With Watson’s future uncertain and Winston offering an unpredictable mix of highs and lows, the team might need to take a page from the playbook of other franchises that have turned their fortunes around with unconventional solutions.
Whether they decide to roll with Winston, take a chance on Fields, or perhaps find a more stable but less spectacular option, the Browns’ front office faces a critical decision as they look toward the 2025 season. If they can stabilize the quarterback position, they’ll have a chance to contend with one of the NFL’s most talented rosters. But until they find the right fit under center, the Browns’ postseason hopes will continue to hinge on the play of a position that has too often been their downfall.
