Cleveland Browns News - Sportsnaut

Former Super Bowl-winning Pro Bowl QB visiting Cleveland Browns and New York Giants

Andrew Buller-Russ — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 20:19:48 +0000

Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesKirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Cleveland Browns and New York Giants are still trying to formulate their quarterback plans for the 2025 season. Right now, the Browns’ presumed starter is former first-round pick Kenny Pickett, who they traded for earlier this week.

As for the Giants, it’s wide open, but former undrafted free agent Tommy DeVito is the leading candidate by default. Neither options are ideal and now both franchises are considering other options, including a former Super Bowl winner.

Russell Wilson visiting Cleveland Browns and New York Giants

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With the start of the new NFL year kicking off earlier today, the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants aren’t wasting any time.

According to The Athletic’s NFL insider Dianna Russini, the Browns and Giants are set to host 10-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson for a visit later this week. Wilson will visit the Browns first, on Thursday, before taking a trip to New York for the Giants’ visit on Friday.

The 36-year-old Wilson is coming off a 6-5 season with the Steelers in which he led them to the playoffs and a quick elimination in the Wild Card round. Yet, while Pittsburgh is seemingly open to bringing the former Super Bowl winner back to town, they’re currently waiting to hear back from four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers.

Wilson doesn’t need to go on a visit to Pittsburgh to know what they offer, but taking a trip to Cleveland and New York not only provides leverage during contract negotiations, but it gives him a chance to see what else is out there.

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NFL analyst blasts Cleveland Browns for making illogical trade to acquire QB Kenny Pickett from Philadelphia Eagles

Matt Higgins — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 20:59:35 +0000

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The Cleveland Browns added a quarterback, but it’s left some questioning what the franchise is doing.

The Browns acquired Kenny Pickett, a former first-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers, from the Philadelphia Eagles for backup quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a 2025 fifth-round pick.

Pickett spent just one season in Philadelphia, appearing in five games and making one start when Jalen Hurts was sidelined with a concussion. He finished the season 25-for-42 for 291 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception.

Pickett will have a chance to start as Deshaun Watson will miss significant time after re-rupturing his Achilles tendon during the offseason.

One NFL analyst, though, called the Browns’ trade for Pickett illogical.

NFL analyst questions why Cleveland Browns traded draft pick to Philadelphia Eagles for Kenny Pickett

ESPN’s Seth Walder questioned why the Browns would expend a draft pick on Pickett as they are up against the cap wall and will pay him more ($2.6 million) than what the Eagles did in 2024 ($2 million).

“The Browns need a quarterback, don’t get me wrong. I just don’t believe that the team — which is highly leveraged against the cap and needs all the draft capital it can muster — ought to be burning picks on someone like Pickett. The former first-rounder — who ranked 20th in QBR his rookie season but dropped to 27th in 2023 before being discarded by the Steelers — has plenty of equivalents who could surely be acquired without giving up a fifth-round pick (and Thompson-Robinson),” Walder writes.

He continues, “Cleveland’s focus at quarterback surely is on the draft, and rightfully so. But the Browns probably could have done just as well, and maybe better (Kirk Cousins?!) without having to make this deal.”

According to OverTheCap.com, the Browns have just $10.8 million in cap space for 2025.

The Browns own the second overall pick in the upcoming draft and could select either Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders as their quarterback of the future, if available.

Watson, who has become one of the worst quarterbacks in the NFL since the Browns traded for him, still has two years left on his five-year, $230 million contract.

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Cleveland Browns trade for former first-round QB as 2025 QB plans take shape

Andrew Buller-Russ — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 22:14:32 +0000

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Deshaun Watson’s season ended just seven games into the 2024 NFL season after he tore his Achilles tendon. The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback recently re-tore his Achilles, which means he may not play a single down for the Cleveland Browns in 2025.

This makes the Browns one of the NFL’s most desperate teams when it comes to adding a quarterback or two this offseason. Yet, the Browns have already added one potential starter for 2025.

Cleveland Browns trade Dorian Thompson-Robinson for Kenny Pickett

Credit: Michael Longo/For USA Today Network / USA TODAY NETWORK

Only two quarterbacks were on the Cleveland Browns’ roster when NFL free agency began on Monday: Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Bailey Zappe. Now, one of them is gone.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Browns have agreed to trade DTR and a fifth-round pick (from DET) to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for Kenny Pickett.

Pickett recently won a Super Bowl ring playing as the backup to Jalen Hurts, but he didn’t play much. Pickett appeared in five games and even won his lone start, completing 25-of-42 passes for 291 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He has a career win-loss record of 15-10 with a TD: INT ratio of 15 to 14.

Pickett, the 20th overall pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2022 NFL Draft, was traded to the Eagles last offseason along with a fourth-round pick in exchange for a third-round selection plus two seventh-round picks. He’ll still be just 27 when the 2025 season kicks off.

Right now, Pickett is the early favorite to begin the season as the Browns’ starting quarterback, but there’s a strong chance his status changes before kickoff. The Browns also have the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and could target a prospect at some point throughout the three-day selection event.

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Cleveland Browns make shocking decision with Myles Garrett as trade rumors fly

Andrew Buller-Russ — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 16:29:52 +0000

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After a disappointing season that saw the Cleveland Browns lose their final six games, finishing with a 3-14 record, there’s a lot of work to be done to improve this roster around Myles Garrett. When they traded for Deshaun Watson, the belief was that the Browns were just a piece or two away from competing for a Super Bowl.

We’ve instead seen the Browns reach the playoffs just once, and it didn’t even happen when Watson was healthy. This was always going to be a crucial offseason, but after Garrett requested a trade at the outset of the offseason, things looked pretty murky in Cleveland.

However, the Browns never really bought into Garrett’s trade request, insisting they wouldn’t be trading the former Defensive Player of the Year. He recently tried to meet with team ownership, and now it appears there’s been a resolution to this standoff in Cleveland.

Cleveland Browns re-sign Myles Garrett, ending NFL trade rumors

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Will the Cleveland Browns trade Myles Garrett? Not anymore.

On Sunday morning, the Browns revealed that they’ve reached a four-year contract extension with Myles Garrett. It’s one that averages $40 million per season and includes $123.5 million in guarantees. This is a big win for a Browns team that appeared like they’d be losing their best player when his trade demand hit.

Garrett never really wanted to leave Cleveland, but he did however want to land in a more competitive situation. This means there will be even more pressure on the Browns to figure out their quarterback situation, not just for 2025, but for the near future too.

Perhaps Browns general manager Andrew Berry has another trick up his sleeves as we wait and see which quarterback will be joining Cleveland this offseason.

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Insider addresses odds of a Myles Garrett trade by the Cleveland Browns ahead of 2025 NFL Draft

Matt Johnson — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 22:04:16 +0000

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Cleveland Browns edge defender Myles Garrett requested a trade in early February, publicly asking the team that drafted him to move him to a contender. With the All-Pro pass rusher and the Browns front office now locked in conflict, there’s been even more speculation regarding his future.

Garrett, who turned 29 in December, received significant fan support when he requested out of Cleveland. With the club saddled by the Deshaun Watson contract and coming off a 3-14 season, supporters of the team seemed to understand why Garrett wanted to play elsewhere.

Myles Garrett stats (ESPN): 28 QB hits, 22 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, 11.5 stuffs, 3 forced fumbles

Since being drafted by Cleveland with the first pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Garrett has been one of the best NFL players of his era. In 2024, he became the fourth-fastest player in NFL history to record 100 career sacks and he earned an All-Pro selection for the fifth consecutive year. He wants off a team he believes isn’t in position to contend next season, while the Browns front office is adamant it won’t move him.

On Friday’s episode of the Inside Coverage podcast, senior NFL reporter Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports addressed Garrett’s situation with the Browns and how it could play out before the 2025 NFL Draft.

“This Myles Garrett situation is not going to resolve itself. I think it’s gonna get worse before it gets better and I think the Browns are probably gonna get some solid offers for Myles Garrett. In my mind…there’s at least a mid-percentage chance that Myles Garrett gets traded going into that draft.”
Yahoo Sports’ senior NFL reporter Charles Robinson on Myles Garrett and the Cleveland Browns

Myles Garrett contract (Spotrac): $19.722 million cap hit in 2025, $20.374 million cap hit in 2026

Robinson went on to explain how the Browns’ ultimate decision with Garrett could coincide with what happens in the 2025 NFL Draft. While there have been persistent NFL rumors suggesting Cleveland will draft a quarterback with the second overall pick, that might be contingent on Cam Ward being available.

If Ward is picked first overall, either by the Tennessee Titans or the New York Giants, then Cleveland would be in a position to potentially draft Garrett’s replacement. While edge rusher Abdul Carter does have a foot injury, it’s not a major concern and he has drawn some NFL comparisons to Micah Parsons.

The Browns could conceivably replace Garrett with the second overall pick and then start filling out the rest of the roster with picks acquired by trading him. While it would certainly ensure Cleveland is one of the worst NFL teams in 2025, it might be in the club’s best long-term interests.

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Insider reveals details of ugly battle between Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns amid NFL trade rumors

Matt Johnson — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 13:52:30 +0000

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Cleveland Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett requested a trade at the start of the offseason, making it clear he wanted to be moved to a contender. After weeks of the Browns pushing back against NFL rumors regarding a potential trade, tension between the two sides is increasing.

Garrett indicated late during the 2024 NFL season that he would be contemplating his future in Cleveland after a three-win season. The Browns haven’t won a playoff game since January 2021, prompting Garrett to request a trade to a championship contender.

However, Browns general manager Andrew Berry quickly shot down that idea and told reporters he wouldn’t move Garrett even if another team offered a pair of first-round picks. Cleveland wants to compete in 2025, which it needs Garrett to do. That’s led to where things stand now.

Myles Garrett contract (Spotrac): $19.722 million cap hit in 2025, $20.374 million cap hit in 2026

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports that Garret requested a private meeting with Browns owner Jimmy Haslam to discuss his desire to be traded. Haslam reportedly refused to speak with Garrett, amid mounting tension between both sides.

As the Browns front office maintains its adamant stance that it won’t engage in trade talks, Garrett is threatening to use what little leverage he has. The All-Pro edge rusher is “preparing to miss games” in 2025 if the team won’t move him.

Myles Garrett stats (ESPN): 28 QB hits, 22 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, 11.5 stuffs, 3 forced fumbles

The Browns front office has the most control over this situation. Garrett is under contract for the next two years and sitting out a season would just defer his deal by another year. While Cleveland has explored a contract extension for Garrett, he’s adamant about being moved and is already using the threat of sitting out regular-season games.

Losing Garrett for any length of time would significantly limit the Browns’ ability to contend for a playoff spot next season. Some around the league also believe a rebuild is needed and trading Garrett for multiple premium picks would accomplish that. With both sides dug in, this saga will likely drag out for months and be one of the biggest stories of the NFL offseason.

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NFL rumors: Insider predicts Cleveland Browns will land four-time Pro Bowl quarterback amid Deshaun Watson’s injury

Matt Higgins — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 22:04:38 +0000

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The quarterback position has become an absolute nightmare for the Cleveland Browns since they signed Deshaun Watson to that fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million megadeal in 2022.

Despite facing sexual misconduct allegations from two dozen massage therapists during his Houston Texans tenure, the Browns still hitched their wagon to Watson — and watching it play out has been nothing short of painful. What they thought was a franchise-altering move has instead morphed into one of the league’s most disastrous contracts, with Watson transforming from Pro Bowl playmaker to one of the NFL’s worst quarterbacks.

The numbers tell a brutal story: Watson has suited up for just 19 games amid suspensions and injuries, limping to a 9-10 record while throwing for only 19 touchdowns against 12 interceptions and absorbing a punishment-filled 70 sacks. His 2024 campaign was particularly disastrous — a 1-6 record with just five touchdowns, three interceptions, and a staggering 33 sacks before tearing his Achilles. On top of that, Watson re-tore that same Achilles during offseason work and now stands to miss significant time in 2025.

With the second overall pick in their pocket, the Browns could target their quarterback of the future in Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders. But draft prospects alone won’t solve their immediate crisis. Cleveland desperately needs a veteran presence under center who can navigate 2025 while Watson’s future hangs in limbo.

That’s why one NFL insider believes the Browns could end up with a $180 million quarterback.

Insider: Cleveland Browns will sign four-time Pro Bowl quarterback

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With Cleveland’s quarterback room in shambles, The Athletic’s Mike Jones has proposed a fascinating potential marriage — Kirk Cousins landing with the Browns, though only if he’s ultimately released by the Atlanta Falcons.

Cousins, who inked a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed before the 2024 season, experienced his own fall from grace in Atlanta. After going 7-7 in 14 starts with 18 touchdowns and a league-leading 16 interceptions, the Falcons eventually benched the veteran in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr.

“Cousins makes so much sense for the Browns, who appear unlikely to have Deshaun Watson for some time because of the setback he experienced in his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon,” Jones wrote.

What makes this potential pairing especially intriguing? Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski and Cousins share significant history from their Minnesota days, when Stefanski served as the Vikings’ offensive coordinator and helped Cousins deliver some of his best professional seasons.

“Cousins played under Browns coach Kevin Stefanski when the latter was offensive coordinator in Minnesota and seemingly would be able to make a seamless transition to the Browns,” Jones noted.

For Cousins, Cleveland might represent the perfect redemption opportunity after his shocking Atlanta benching. He might just be the steady hand the Browns desperately need.

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Zack Baun’s $51 million payday likely slams door on Philadelphia Eagles acquiring four-time All-Pro defensive stalwart

Matt Higgins — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 22:06:08 +0000

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“Howie Szn” has kicked into overdrive for the Philadelphia Eagles. Just 24 hours after making Saquon Barkley the NFL’s first $20 million-a-year running back, general manager Howie Roseman shelled out a three-year, $51 million contract to All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun.

According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, Baun will receive $34 million guaranteed with another $1.5 million in incentives and escalators.

Breaking: Eagles are re-signing All-Pro LB Zack Baun to a three-year, $51 million contract, including $34 million guaranteed at signing and additional $1.5 million in incentives and escalators, per sources. The contract instantly makes Baun one of the highest-paid LBs in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/n7zkzIgwcD
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 5, 2025

The lucrative deal catapults Baun to become the fourth-highest paid linebacker in the NFL.

It’s been an absolutely remarkable journey for Baun to reach this pinnacle. He originally signed a modest one-year, $4 million deal with the Eagles following four largely uneventful seasons with the New Orleans Saints, where he made just 14 starts and mainly contributed on special teams.

However, under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, Baun transformed into one of the most dominant linebackers in the league. He recorded 151 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks, one interception, and five forced fumbles, earning him All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors for the first time.

His excellence continued during the Eagles’ championship run, where he racked up 33 total tackles, two interceptions — including a pivotal one in the Super Bowl that set up a touchdown — and two fumble recoveries.

Now he’ll anchor the Eagles’ top-ranked defense for the next three seasons.

Myles Garrett-to-Philadelphia Eagles rumors should now be put to rest

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With the Eagles bringing back Baun at this price point, any potential pursuit of former Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett likely evaporates.

Garrett has demanded a trade from the Cleveland Browns, but the franchise has consistently stated they have zero intention of moving on from the four-time All-Pro.

The Eagles did create over $6 million in cap space by designating cornerback Darius Slay and defensive back James Bradberry as post-June 1 releases. But with Roseman inking Barkley to a record-breaking extension and now re-signing Baun to this massive deal, Philadelphia simply wouldn’t have the financial bandwidth to accommodate Garrett, despite all their renowned salary cap gymnastics.

“If the Eagles were going to take on a huge contract for Myles Garrett, if he gets traded anywhere, he’s going to be the highest paid non-quarterback in the NFL, no doubt about it,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said on “Good Morning Football” prior to the Baun signing. “In order to take on that contract, they would have to get rid of other very big contracts of their own. Even the Eagles can’t just fit everybody they want. I would be very surprised if this happened.”

From @GMFB: The question was asked, Could the #Eagles take a shot at Myles Garrett? Anything is possible. But… Cleveland has no plans to trade him and for Philly to take on a massive contract, they'd have to shed some of their own. pic.twitter.com/GdIbirRtDO
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2025

The Eagles would most likely need to surrender at least two first-round picks to acquire Garrett if the Browns do make him available. On top of that crucial draft capital, Philadelphia has future contract extensions looming on the horizon for their young defensive cornerstones in Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith — a financial reality that makes the Garrett splash nearly impossible.

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NFL insider warns Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers and Las Vegas Raiders about red flags in QB prospect Jaxson Dart

Jason Burgos — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 18:23:20 +0000

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While Jaxson Dart has been linked to teams like the Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Las Vegas Raiders early in the 2025 NFL Draft, one league insider believes there are major red flags in his game that those teams should be worried about.

In today’s NFL the quarterback position is extremely important. A team has no chance of competing for a Super Bowl without high-level play from the position. That is why top QB prospects always go high in the annual NFL Draft. However, this year’s event is set up to be as unpredictable as ever with the 2025 QB class being far weaker than last year.

Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders are seen as the top two QBs in this year’s event. However, both are flawed and they are not viewed as sure bets at the next level. It puts QB-needy franchises like the Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Las Vegas Raiders in a difficult position. Do they target Ward or Sanders, or take the best player available when they are on the clock in Round 1?

That is why Ole Miss star Jaxson Dart is a name that has been linked to them and many other teams in recent weeks. He is climbing up NFL Draft boards and is seen as the third best QB in this year’s class. He is a player the Browns, Steelers, and Raiders could either target late in Round 1 or early in Round 2.

However, on Tuesday, The Athletic NFL insider Vic Tafur suggested all teams need to be very wary of using a premium pick on Dart.

Should Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders pass on drafting Jaxson Dart early in NFL Draft?

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“I know everyone is pushing Jaxson Dart into the first round but I just don’t see it on film,” Tafur wrote on X. “Often late on throws, don’t love his pocket presence. Plus the questions about ability to play in pro-style offense.”

Similar to Dart, Anthony Richardson is a name that flew up draft boards before 2023’s event. Due to his immense athletic talent. However, his lack of strong fundamentals was the big question mark about his game. And he has not been able to fix those issues in his first two seasons in the NFL.

The Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Las Vegas Raiders badly need a potential franchise QB. While there are clear red flags in Dart’s game, if they can get him in Round 2 or 3 they may need to take the risk.

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Cleveland Browns to seriously consider this potential superstar with No. 2 overall pick

Andrew Buller-Russ — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 20:45:00 +0000

Stephen Lew-Imagn ImagesStephen Lew-Imagn Images

After going 3-14 in 2024, the Cleveland Browns have landed the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This is a team with several needs on both sides of the ball, but there’s no bigger question mark on the roster than at quarterback where Deshaun Watson recently re-tore his Achilles tendon.

The Browns could go in a number of directions with the second overall pick, including having a shot at selecting one of either Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders. Yet, there are other prospects who may rank higher on their draft board.

Travis Hunter will draw ‘serious consideration’ from Cleveland Browns at No. 2

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While the quarterbacks will likely intrigue the Cleveland Browns, they may not be the top-ranked players on their draft board. One player who likely is near the top of every single team’s draft board is University of Colorado’s Travis Hunter, thanks to his ability to play both sides of the ball as either a wide receiver or cornerback.

According to The Athletic’s Jeff Howe, the Browns are likely to seriously consider selecting Hunter with the No. 2 overall pick, as long as the Tennessee Titans or another team trading up doesn’t select him first.

“If Hunter isn’t the first pick, he’ll draw serious consideration from the Cleveland Browns at No. 2, according to league sources.”
The Athletic on Cleveland Browns’ interest in Travis Hunter

Hunter is widely regarded to be one of, if not the highest-rated prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft class. As much as the Browns would like to secure a QB of the future, they may not be able to pass up on what could be a generational talent like Hunter.

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