Looking ahead, the Cleveland Browns face numerous decisions as they approach the NFL offseason. The front office will have a busy period addressing these uncertainties.
The biggest question mark remains at the quarterback position.
Deshaun Watson is still under contract with a substantial salary and two years left on a challenging deal. Unfortunately, he has yet to prove he’s the answer for the Browns. This leaves general manager Andrew Berry and his team with a few options.
Cleveland could stick with Watson for two more years, hoping for a turnaround, and look for a new quarterback afterward if necessary. Alternatively, they could pursue a quarterback via free agency or a trade, or select one with their expected high pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
In free agency, one potential option has been suggested for the Browns.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report mentioned that Cleveland might consider current Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields as a possible fit in free agency.
“Fields ranks high on our board because of his age, physical skills, positional value, and continued growth,” Knox stated. “Teams that aren’t fully committed to prospects like Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders may prefer Fields. Teams in need of a budget-friendly, long-term quarterback—such as the Browns and the New York Jets—could target Fields early in free agency.”
Fields, who showed promise earlier in the season when he replaced an injured Russell Wilson, could be an intriguing option for Cleveland. Over six games, Fields completed 66.3 percent of his passes for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception. He also rushed for 231 yards and five touchdowns. At only 25, Fields still has time to develop as a long-term quarterback.
Given the right price, Cleveland should seriously consider Fields. This would allow them to use their first-round pick to address other areas of need.
Fields is expected to be a popular free-agent target. While Pittsburgh will likely attempt to re-sign him, the Browns could try to sway him away from their division rivals.
Looking further ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, Cleveland is currently on track to have a high selection.
As Week 10 approaches, the Browns are just 2-7, with little indication of a significant turnaround. Should this trend continue, Cleveland could have a high pick and a chance to draft a franchise-altering player.
Pro Football Focus recently simulated the 2025 NFL Draft and identified a potential top choice for the Browns: Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward.
“Deshaun Watson is not only out for the season with a torn Achilles but ranked 28th among qualifying quarterbacks overall,” they wrote. “If the Browns end up picking high, they may have no choice but to draft a quarterback, and Ward would be a phenomenal pick. His 91.4 overall grade is the best in the nation at his position, with 20 big-time throws, the fourth-most in college football.”
Ward is also among the favorites for the Heisman Trophy this season. So far, he has completed 67.1 percent of his passes for 3,146 yards, 29 touchdowns, and six interceptions, along with 187 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.
These impressive stats should certainly catch Cleveland’s attention.
Ward possesses major star potential for the NFL, though some questions remain about his ability to transition smoothly. However, most believe he will adapt well.
While it’s too early to make a clear connection between Ward and the Browns, current projections suggest he’s a strong candidate to be drafted and become Cleveland’s future franchise quarterback.
