The Cleveland Browns are staring down one of the most crucial offseasons in franchise history. With Deshaun Watson’s future now clouded by yet another injury recovery setback, Cleveland is back in the market for a quarterback. And if you ask one of their biggest stars, finding the right guy under center is priority number one.
Myles Garrett, who recently inked a massive $160 million extension with the Browns, made his thoughts clear during a recent interview with Browns Radio Network. “Any team that’s going to go far needs a quarterback and one that’s young, can learn and is willing to be patient with the process,” Garrett said. “There’s going to be some bumps in the road. It’s going to be some learning pains. But us as a team has to be able to be a landing pad for him to fall back on, and know being on the defensive side, to help him out whenever things go wrong.”
Garrett didn’t stop there. He emphasized that Cleveland’s search for stability at quarterback shouldn’t just be limited to drafting a rookie. “That’s not for just a young quarterback. That’s for veterans and guys who’ve been here for a while,” Garrett continued. “So as far as quarterbacks, whether it’s one from the draft or an older guy, they have some help not only in their room but from some of the veterans.”
It’s no secret the Browns’ most realistic path to finding a new franchise quarterback will come via the 2025 NFL Draft. But even with the second overall pick, Cleveland has some big decisions to make. According to ESPN’s Matt Miller, the Browns passed on Shedeur Sanders to select linebacker Abdul Carter with that pick. However, the Browns may not be done looking for a quarterback.
Miller’s latest mock draft has the Browns scooping up Louisville QB Tyler Shough with the 33rd overall pick. “The Browns passed on Shedeur Sanders in Round 1 but would get their quarterback here,” Miller wrote. “Shough was a member of the 2018 recruiting class and has played at three schools, starting as Justin Herbert’s backup at Oregon, moving to Texas Tech and thriving at Louisville this past season.”
Shough is an intriguing prospect with a live arm, good mobility, and plenty of experience. As Miller noted, “Cleveland needs someone to play immediately, which he can do as the Browns try to find the franchise quarterback that has evaded them since the franchise rebooted in 1999.”
Cleveland’s desperation for a quarterback is palpable. Garrett’s comments only underline the urgency surrounding the situation. The Browns can’t afford to get this wrong. They’ve been searching for their answer at quarterback for decades, and their fanbase is tired of waiting.
One thing is clear: Cleveland is willing to do whatever it takes to find a new franchise quarterback. Whether that’s through the draft, a trade, or some other move, expect the Browns to be aggressive in their pursuit. The future of the franchise may very well depend on it.
