Three quarterback options Browns could pursue to replace Deshaun Watson

The Cleveland Browns have no clear plans for the quarterback position. In any case, it has been reported that they would like to bring in competition for Deshaun Watson. Obviously, the team would like to see Watson recover quickly from his torn Achilles tendon and play well for them. However, the chances of that happening are virtually non-existent, so the team needs to have a plan to improve the quarterback position.

That leaves the Browns with two options: either draft a quarterback in this upcoming draft or find a competent veteran. The problem with drafting a quarterback is that it is assumed to be a weak quarterback class. The Browns are also closely grouped with about ten other teams, meaning their draft position is murky at best. Both of these reasons are why it could make more sense for the Browns to pursue a veteran quarterback. If that’s what the team decides to do, these three options make a lot of sense for the team.

Jameis Winston has performed the role of Watson admirably so far. Since becoming the full-time starter, Winston has thrown for over 300 yards in two different games. Moreover, he has also defeated the two main AFC North division rivals, the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Read more: Predicting the remainder of the Cleveland Browns’ 2024 season

Winston is also an asset to the team off the field. Winston does an excellent job of developing relationships with his teammates, as evidenced in the game against the New Orleans Saints where all of his former teammates and coaches made sure to talk to him before or after the game. Winston is also becoming a fan favorite with his pre-match speeches and interviews.

The revival of Sam Darnold’s career has been a fun story to watch this season. Darnold joined Baker Mayfield on the Carolina Panthers in 2022 and had a terrible year. He signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023 and showed some promise in his limited reps.

Darnold was able to use that experience and convince the Minnesota Vikings to take a chance on mentoring him and competing with first-round draft pick JJ McCarthy. Due to the injury McCarthy suffered, Darnold was forced to start and has played exceptionally well. He led the Vikings to a 9-2 start, throwing 21 touchdowns to just 10 interceptions.

The Vikings likely won’t bring Darnold back. They just signed Daniel Jones, who could be a much cheaper option to compete with McCarthy if he is acquitted. If the Browns can get Darnold, he is young enough and talented enough to become the Browns’ desperately wanted franchise quarterback.

Jimmy Garoppolo is the type of quarterback Stefanski could be successful with. He is an experienced quarterback who knows how to run an offense. Although Garoppolo was not successful with the Las Vegas Raiders, he was successful with the 49ers. The main issue with Garoppolo will be his health. With every stop he made, he suffered injuries, which derailed his career.

Right now, Garoppolo is following a similar path to Darnold, taking a year to learn from an offensive guru. The knowledge Garoppolo can acquire from the Los Angeles Rams and Sean McVay could be tempting and help the Browns. While Garoppolo won’t be the franchise quarterback, he would be useful and would certainly challenge Watson.