Myles Garrett recently made headlines with a record-breaking contract extension that has solidified his commitment to the Cleveland Browns—a move that came after some serious contemplation about the team’s direction. Initially, there were trade rumors swirling around the star defensive end, driven by his concerns about the Browns’ path to contention. However, it seems the combination of financial incentive and a clear vision for the future ultimately swayed him back.
When Garrett spoke with the Browns Radio Network, he emphasized the importance of having a young quarterback in place—a signal of hope for the franchise’s long-term prospects. “Any team that’s going to go far needs a quarterback that’s young, can learn, and is willing to be patient with the process,” he noted. This indicates that Garrett and the team are ready to embrace a period of development, acknowledging that there will inevitably be struggles along the way. “There’s going to be some bumps in the road,” he added, stressing the need for the entire team, especially the defense, to support the quarterback through his learning curve.
Interestingly, Garrett didn’t entirely rule out the possibility of integrating a veteran quarterback into the mix. “That’s not just for a young quarterback; that’s for veterans and guys who’ve been here for a while,” he said. It’s a reminder that whether bringing in new blood from the draft or acquiring experienced talent, a collaborative atmosphere will be crucial for guiding whichever quarterback takes the reins in Cleveland.
As for potential quarterback prospects, all eyes are on Miami’s Cam Ward, who is drawing plenty of attention as the top option in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. Recent reports indicate that Ward had a workout with members of the Browns’ front office, including owner Jimmy Haslam and GM Andrew Berry, a clear indication of Cleveland’s interest. However, the Browns might have to act quickly; Ward’s likely high draft stock could mean he’s off the board by the time Cleveland picks at No. 2 overall.
Should Ward slip away, another exciting option emerges in Shedeur Sanders from Colorado, who is being positioned as the consensus No. 2 quarterback in this draft class. There’s also buzz around Tyler Shough from Louisville, who could be in the mix for the Browns in the second round, according to draft experts.
Ward’s collegiate journey has been impressive, having accrued over 18,000 passing yards and 158 touchdowns during his time across multiple programs. He wrapped up his career at Miami by leading the Hurricanes to a solid 10-3 record and earning Heisman finalist honors—an impressive feat that speaks to his talent.
Shough, on the other hand, has navigated a slightly different path, transitioning from Oregon to Texas Tech and then to Louisville. In his extended college career, he showcased his skills as a reliable passer, notable for a solid completion percentage and a respectable tally of touchdowns both through the air and on the ground.
The Browns are clearly thinking critically about their future at quarterback, and with Garrett leading the charge in fostering a supportive environment, the outlook could very well be bright. If they can land the right prospect—one who’s able to grow with the organization—they might just find the spark they need to start turning things around. The upcoming draft is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for Cleveland, one that could reshape their fortunes for years to come.