The Cleveland Browns don’t really have a starting quarterback right now. Deshaun Watson re-tore his Achilles tendon and had to have surgery on January 9. Watson’s injury could keep him from playing a single snap in the 2025 NFL season.
However, the Browns did recently trade Dorian Thompson-Robinson plus a fifth-round pick in exchange for Pickett. Yet, while Pickett recently won a Super Bowl as Jalen Hurts’ backup with the Philadelphia Eagles, the soon-to-be 27-year-old is viewed as a second-string option who can occasionally make some spot starts.
Thus, the Browns really don’t have much of a future at the QB position. Perhaps that changes when they’re on the clock with the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, yet they could solve their need before then too.
Could desperation spur a Cleveland Browns trade for No. 1 pick?
This year’s draft class is unique. There isn’t any prospect that’s viewed as the consensus No. 1 pick. However, many feel University of Miami quarterback Cam Ward is the likely choice for the Tennessee Titans.
After that, it’s a crapshoot. Depending on which reports you believe, Shedeur Sanders is being viewed as anywhere from a top-five pick to one that could slide into the second round. Of course, the Cleveland Browns could ensure Sanders doesn’t experience a draft-day freefall by making him the No. 2 pick, but what if he’s not the prospect they covet?
Recently, The Athletic’s Zac Jackson suggested the Browns may get desperate and attempt a trade into the No. 1 spot by executing a deal with the Titans. The goal then would be to select Ward.
“The Browns and Giants, who hold pick No. 3, seem to be the likeliest potential trade partners. I’m coming around to the idea that the Browns’ desperation might drive them to explore moving up to get Ward or take a quarterback at No. 2. A trade back into the bottom part of the first round seems possible, too, but I’m willing to leave the door cracked for Cleveland selecting Shedeur Sanders second overall if Ward isn’t available.”
The Athletic’s Zac Jackson on Cleveland Browns
However, if the Browns aren’t able to secure the No. 1 pick and/or Ward, Jackson speculates that they could be targeting Sanders, Jaxson Dart, Tyler Shough, or Jalen Milroe in a potential trade down scenario.
It’s worth noting that Browns coach Kevin Stefanski has already heaped praise on the incoming rookie QB class, so it’s very likely that there’s another prospect they have their eye on.
