Prior to the announcement of Deshaun Watson’s second Achillies tear, Browns GM Andrew Berry made it clear at his post-season new conference, Cleveland’s quarterback room would be completely different. Now that Watson’s 2025 season, and possibly his career is over, it will have to be. Many draft experts and Cleveland media expect the Browns to draft a quarterback with the second overall draft pick. I don’t. First of all, this isn’t a great quarterback draft, and none should start their first year. Anyone who tells you who the Browns are drafting at number two, is lying to you, because as of right now, the team doesn’t know. They’ll get a better idea after they interview draftees at the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine. Besides, Berry uses free agency to fill important holes in the roster not the draft. So, how do I see the 2025 Browns quarterback room?

I’ve maintained the Browns will sign a veteran free agent, a young free agent and draft a quarterback. There have been reports, Cleveland would trade for a starter. The only three options would be Geno Smith of the Seahawks, Derek Carr of the Saints and Kirk Cousins of the Falcons. All three have large contracts, which I can’t see the Browns taking on while still having Watson’s contract on the books. Their best option is to sign a veteran. Some possibilities:

Kirk Cousins. He would have to be released by the Falcons. Cousins has the desire to continue to be a starting quarterback not a backup. He also has a no trade clause in his contract, so if he wants out of Atlanta, he can force the team to release him and then be signed by another team at the veteran minimum. He had his best season when he was with Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski in Minesota.

Sam Darnold. Prior to the Vikings playoff loss, many thought Minnesota would keep Darnold and sign him to an extension. After the loss, his value has decreased. If the Vikings think the loss to the Rams was a fluke, they could still extend him or possibly use the Franchise tag on Darnold. If not resigned, he’s still the top free agent on the market due to his regular season record of 14-3.

Daniel Jones. Ended up 2025 as a backup to Darnold and is currently a free agent. If Minnesota does resign Darnold, they would keep J.J. McCarthy as the backup. He’s still young (28) and a former first round draft pick. He beat the Browns the third game of the season as the starting quarterback of the Giants. He was 24 of 34, 234 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.

Young free agent:

Zack Wilson. Backed up Bo Nix in Denver. Has 23 touchdowns and 25 interceptions for his career. Would be a nice fit in a Stefanski offense.

Mac Jones. Played well his rookie season with the Patriots but has since struggled. As a game manager back up, he would be a cheaper option and could work well in a Stefanski offense.

Tyler Huntley. Played very well versus the Browns when he started for Miami. He knows his role as a backup QB in the league. He could run Stefanski’s offense.

Draft pick:

Jalen Milroe. The promotion of Tommy Rees as the Browns new offensive coordinator, there’s a natural link to Cleveland. When Rees was his OC at Alabama, Milroe had his best season. Could be available at pick 33.

Jaxson Dart. Has a strong arm and played in a pro set in college. He can look like a world beater for 55 minutes of a game and the worst quarterback in the conference for the other five minutes. Would need to sit for a year and learn. Could be available at pick 67.

My quarterback room.

Daniel Jones, Mac Jones, Jalen Milroe.