For the Cleveland Browns, the quest for a franchise quarterback has been an enduring saga, particularly as they gear up for the 2025 season. After a disappointing run, the conclusion of the Deshaun Watson experiment is becoming clearer: there’s a strong chance he won’t wear a Browns jersey again.
With the No. 2 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft on the horizon, the Browns face another pivotal moment in their quarterback search. This presents a unique opportunity to either find a new signal caller via the draft or explore the veteran market through free agency, which is just around the corner.
The pool of prospective free agents is enticing, including seasoned quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, and possibly Kirk Cousins. However, a name that has gained traction as a suitable fit for Cleveland is Justin Fields. Following a season with Pittsburgh, Fields could be on the move, and there’s speculation that he might land in the AFC North with the Browns.
Aaron Schatz of ESPN has weighed in on this potential match-up, citing Fields’ performance with a 50.8 QBR last season, which is nearly on par with Wilson’s 51.3. The conversation stresses the advantage of Fields’ age—turning 26 soon—compared to the seasoned Wilson, who is now 36. Fields’ mobility would undoubtedly add a dynamic aspect to the Browns’ offense, creating opportunities for running backs and giving the franchise another chance to build its roster strategically through the draft.
The flexibility in Fields’ contract justifies a dual approach; acquiring him means they still have the ability to draft a rookie quarterback without placing all their hopes on an untested player. This thoughtful strategy could allow the incoming rookie to adjust to the NFL’s tempo while Fields takes the reins, leveraging his Ohio State pedigree.
While entering the season with Fields as the go-to quarterback might raise some eyebrows—especially given the ample talent available in this draft—there are valid reasons for the Browns to stray from selecting another quarterback with their high pick. Historically, the franchise has endured far worse quarterback dilemmas, making this moment feel relatively optimistic by comparison.
This decision feels like a high-stakes gamble for the Browns, a company of risk-takers at heart. They may also believe that targeting a player like Shedeur Sanders with that second overall pick could result in a needless reach, perhaps signaling that Justin Fields might just be their best bet to finally stabilize the franchise’s long-running quest under center.
