Browns Face Pivotal Decision at Quarterback Ahead of Offseason

The Cleveland Browns are staring down a critical offseason, one that could determine the trajectory of the franchise for years to come. With uncertainty surrounding their quarterback position and the looming presence of star defensive end Myles Garrett, the Browns find themselves in a precarious balancing act.

The Quarterback Conundrum

The need for a franchise quarterback is evident. Cleveland holds the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, placing them in a prime position to address this glaring hole. Yet, the specter of a rebuild looms large, something Garrett has made clear he has no interest in enduring. This puts the Browns in a tough spot: how do they secure their quarterback of the future without alienating their defensive cornerstone?

Draft or Veteran?

The Browns have options, though none are without challenges. They could pursue an established quarterback via trade or free agency, but finding an available top-tier signal-caller is easier said than done. Another potential path is a hybrid approach: signing a veteran to steady the ship while drafting a rookie with the potential to develop into a franchise cornerstone.

Eyes on Cam Ward

Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward has emerged as a top target, and Cleveland may need to make an aggressive move to secure him. Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski notes that the Browns could face competition from quarterback-needy teams looking to trade into the top spot.

“With the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns currently owning the second and third overall draft picks, respectively, other quarterback-starved teams will look to trade into that top spot,” Sobleski wrote. “The Browns may even try to leapfrog the Titans in order to guarantee landing their preferred choice.”

Ward’s résumé speaks for itself. In his final season at Miami, he threw for 4,313 yards, 39 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, completing an impressive 67.2 percent of his passes. He also showcased his mobility, adding four rushing touchdowns to his tally.

Navigating the Garrett Factor

Beyond the draft, the Browns must carefully manage their relationship with Garrett. The All-Pro defensive end is the heart and soul of Cleveland’s defense, and any perception of a rebuild could jeopardize his buy-in. A strategy that combines immediate competitiveness with long-term planning might be the only way to thread this needle.

A Franchise-Defining Offseason

The decisions Cleveland makes in the coming months will ripple through the franchise’s future. Whether it’s trading up for a star like Cam Ward, signing a veteran to bridge the gap, or some combination of the two, the Browns must find a way to solve their quarterback dilemma while keeping Garrett and the rest of the locker room on board.

One thing is certain: the 2025 NFL Draft will be a defining moment for Cleveland’s quest to climb back into contention.