The quarterback conundrum in Cleveland is reaching a boiling point as the Browns gear up for the 2025 offseason. The question isn’t just about who should line up under center, but how the franchise plans to navigate its current quarterback quagmire. With Deshaun Watson not living up to his blockbuster trade hype, the clock is ticking for a new plan.
Watson’s time in Cleveland has been marred by underwhelming stats—a total of 3,365 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. His once-celebrated pocket presence has deteriorated, leading to 70 sacks and further scrutiny over his on-field decision-making. His struggles are compounded by a nagging Achilles injury that puts his upcoming season in jeopardy, making the hunt for a new quarterback a pressing priority for the Browns.
While prospects like Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward are intriguing names in the draft, for Cleveland, they represent a risky gamble the team might not be willing to make. The draft doesn’t boast a consensus top quarterback, leaving head coach Kevin Stefanski with little room to roll the dice on potential developmental projects in the midst of an uncertain job security landscape.
Enter Geno Smith. A seasoned veteran with the potential to serve as the steady bridge quarterback Cleveland desperately needs. Smith’s resume includes a completion rate of 70.4% last season, amassing 4,320 yards and 21 touchdowns. Granted, his 15 interceptions suggest room for improvement, but his leadership steered Seattle to a winning record. For the Browns, Smith represents stability and experience—key ingredients they’ve been missing.
Meanwhile, Seattle finds itself at a crossroads too. With a roster boasting young talents like DK Metcalf, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Kenneth Walker, they are poised for a fresh start. They can afford the luxury of taking a chance on a young quarterback, especially with Coach Mike Macdonald granted some leeway to reshape his offense. For them, Smith has arguably reached his peak performance, and it’s time to lay new foundations with an emerging signal-caller.
For Cleveland, trading for Geno Smith could be the most prudent path forward. It’s about patching up a problematic past and ensuring the Browns’ faithful have a promising future. Whether or not this scenario plays out, the Browns’ next move at the quarterback position could define their fortunes not just for next season, but beyond.
