Cleveland Browns’ Quarterback Dilemma: Should Jalen Milroe Be the Answer?

As the Cleveland Browns head into the 2025 NFL offseason, they face one of the most crucial decisions in recent memory—figuring out their future at the quarterback position. For years, the Browns have struggled with mediocre, if not outright bad, quarterback play, and this trend simply cannot continue if they are serious about competing for a playoff spot, or more.

General Manager Andrew Berry finds himself under immense pressure to get this decision right, as his job could depend on it. So what direction will the Browns take? There are a few options on the table. They could draft a quarterback who can start immediately, select a developmental quarterback and bring in a veteran to win now, or just add a veteran signal-caller and focus on strengthening other areas of the roster. Whatever they choose, the need for a solution at quarterback is urgent.

The 2025 NFL Draft and the Browns’ Quarterback Search

With the Browns holding a high draft pick in 2025, the team could be in the mix for top quarterback prospects like Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders. However, to this point, it’s unclear whether Cleveland is fully sold on either player. Ward and Sanders have shown flashes of brilliance, but they’re not without their question marks.

While it seems the Browns could go in this direction, one NFL insider has suggested a different—and much more controversial—option.

Jordan Palmer’s Bold Suggestion: Draft Jalen Milroe at No. 2

Jordan Palmer, a former NFL quarterback and the current director of quarterback development in the XFL, has thrown a curveball into the conversation. Palmer believes the Browns should consider drafting Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe at No. 2 overall. This suggestion would raise plenty of eyebrows in Cleveland and around the league, but Palmer feels Milroe’s unique traits could be exactly what the Browns need.

“Yeah, absolutely,” Palmer said. “I think people think they’re going to be blown away by his athleticism, and leave getting blown away with his personality and how he’s just a magnet, and how he has just an honest, great spirit about him. I think that’ll be a big takeaway.”

While Palmer’s confidence in Milroe is evident, the reality is that such a decision would draw major scrutiny from fans and media alike. Milroe is undoubtedly a talented player, but the question remains: is he a No. 2 overall pick talent?

Milroe’s Ups and Downs at Alabama

In the 2024 season at Alabama, Milroe put up solid numbers, completing 64.3% of his passes for 2,844 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. His rushing ability was even more impressive, racking up 726 yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground. Milroe’s athleticism and playmaking ability are undeniable, but his passing production has been inconsistent, and that’s a key concern for an NFL quarterback.

Drafting Milroe at No. 2 would certainly be a head-scratcher for many analysts and fans. Most draft experts have Milroe pegged to go in the later stages of the first round—or possibly even the second round—making a No. 2 overall pick feel like a reach.

What Does This Mean for the Browns?

It’s hard to imagine the Browns pulling the trigger on Milroe at No. 2 overall given his lack of polished passing skills compared to other top prospects like Sanders and Ward. If Cleveland is truly interested in Milroe, it’s much more likely they would trade down, acquire more assets, and grab him later in the draft.

At the end of the day, the Browns cannot afford another quarterback misstep. Whether it’s Milroe, Sanders, Ward, or a veteran addition, Cleveland must get it right if they want to break free from their years of QB turmoil and finally build a competitive team. Time will tell if they’re willing to take the gamble on Jalen Milroe or if they’ll go in a more conventional direction.