The Cleveland Browns are facing a pivotal moment in their franchise’s history, and it seems they’re looking to replicate a strategy that has already worked for another team in turmoil—the Denver Broncos. With Deshaun Watson’s rehab setback raising doubts about his future with the team, the Browns are now in a situation where they must consider drastic moves to rebuild their quarterback position.
Much like the Broncos, who had to navigate a large dead cap hit with Russell Wilson while simultaneously making bold moves to secure a new future under center, the Browns are gearing up for a similar overhaul. Cleveland finds itself sitting with the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, placing them in prime position to select one of the top quarterbacks available, assuming other teams don’t snap them up first.
Before the latest Watson news, the Browns were already contemplating upgrading their quarterback situation, whether that meant drafting a young talent or signing a veteran like Kirk Cousins if he becomes available. However, this recent development has only accelerated the urgency to address the position.
The Broncos’ strategy of taking a massive cap hit while shifting gears at quarterback has been a model Cleveland might now look to emulate. Denver, despite carrying over $80 million in dead cap space this season, was able to go out and secure new quarterback talent through the draft, selecting Bo Nix, and have now managed to turn their franchise around under head coach Sean Payton. By making that difficult decision to eat cap space in the short term, Denver has set itself up for future success, a blueprint the Browns could now mirror.
For Cleveland, this could mean sacrificing some financial flexibility in the short term, especially with Watson’s contract, to draft a young quarterback that could help reset the franchise’s direction. The team’s front office has already made it clear that strengthening the quarterback room was always going to be a priority, whether that meant through the draft or via trade or free agency.
If the Browns decide to draft a quarterback with their high pick, it would be a smart financial move, as the rookie contract would help offset Watson’s massive contract in the years to come. This is the exact strategy Denver employed when it decided to draft a quarterback and deal with the dead money that came with Wilson’s contract.
Of course, the Browns may also look at veteran quarterbacks like Cousins, who will likely be on the market in 2025. With his contract situation in flux, Cousins could be a solid addition, though this would also come with its own set of challenges. But the Browns have shown they are ready to make bold moves to move forward, no matter the cost.
As it stands, Cleveland’s quarterback future is uncertain. Watson’s struggles and the franchise’s inability to build around him has left the team scrambling for a solution. Whether they decide to draft a quarterback and eat cap space like the Broncos or explore other options, the Browns must act quickly to secure their future and leave behind the failed Watson experiment. One thing is clear—the Browns are no longer relying on Watson to save their season. They are looking to the future, and that future may involve a new face under center.
