NFL Rumors: 3 Quarterback Options For The Cleveland Browns In 2025

The Cleveland Browns thought they’d be set at the quarterback position for years when they traded for Deshaun Watson back in 2022. But due to a string of injuries mixed in with poor on-field performances from the former Pro Bowl signal caller, the team has been on the hunt for their next QB during the current off-season. And less than a month away from the start of the 2025 NFL Draft, the question mark at the position still remains.

Who Will Start At QB For The Browns During The 2025 NFL Season?

What are the options that the Browns have for filling the hole at the most important position on the field? Here are the three options that they have headed into the summer of 2025:

1. Free Agency (Russell Wilson) Or Trade (Kirk Cousins)

There are still a handful of quarterbacks available on the open market when it comes to free agents and trades, but only a couple of options that the Browns could potentially be interested in. They’re not a part of the Aaron Rodgers discussion, and it is unlikely that they’ll sign a career backup like Drew Lock or Teddy Bridgewater to lead the team this coming season.

But Russell Wilson is still unsigned and in limbo, and there is the lingering question of what the Falcons are going to do with Kirk Cousins. Both players would be viable options as starters who have enjoyed success in their careers, but would almost certainly be a stop gap before the team finds their long term option next NFL off-season.

“This is a team, because of their talent, that can absolutely compete if Russell Wilson is the starting quarterback with the addition of a threat like Travis Hunter.”@Realrclark25 and @Danorlovsky7 discuss why adding the veteran QB to the Browns’ offense could be a game-changer pic.twitter.com/GacukyaKtQ

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 12, 2025

2. Roll With What They Already Have (Kenny Pickett)

One move that the Browns made to address the position was a trade for Kenny Pickett earlier this month. He was a first round pick just three years ago, and has a winning record as a starter in his short NFL career. As it stands today, he is currently the only healthy quarterback on Cleveland’s roster.

And while the team will give him the opportunity to compete for the starting spot in training camp, it is highly unlikely that they view him as the answer to their issues at the position. But given the team’s history of decision-making especially at QB and especially in recent years, it wouldn’t be all that surprising to see Pickett under center to start the 2025 campaign.

3. Find Their Future Starter In The 2025 NFL Draft

The Browns are one of the teams that will likely focus on selecting a quarterback in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. They currently hold the rights to the second overall pick, which would give them the choice between an elite pass rusher in Abdul Carter or Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders.

But there is also a possibility that they trade up into the no.1 spot in order to select the top prospect available. Cam Ward is a heavy favorite to be the first player off of the board in late April, though it is unclear exactly which team will be making the pick. If the Titans decide that they want to trade down out of the top slot, then the Browns would likely be first in line for offers.