Two years into the largest guaranteed contract in NFL history, the Cleveland Browns have gotten exactly a dozen games out of Deshaun Watson. That’s how 2023 will end as well, now that Watson’s shoulder will keep him out for the rest of the season.
The injury is a huge blow for the Cleveland Browns. After last week’s dramatic win against the Baltimore Ravens, they seem poised to make a run at the AFC North title. The 6-3 Browns will return to fifth-round pick Dorian Thompson-Robinson for Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. But Thompson-Robinson is far from a sure thing, and the team should be looking to bring in some veteran help.
Four Potential Free Agent Quarterbacks for the Cleveland Browns
It’s not easy for a quarterback to join an offense in midseason, particularly an offense as complicated as Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanki’s. Geron Christian, an offensive tackle who joined the squad last week, had this to say to The Athletic: “This playbook is honestly completely different than any team I was with before.”
Cam Newton
Cam Newton is the most likely contender to immediately fit with the Cleveland Browns. In his prime, Newton had Watson’s mobility and strong arm. However, there are some questions about how he might fit into a modified West Coast look like Stefanski’s. Newton last played in 2021, going 0-5 while only completing 55% of his passes.
Nick Foles
Nick Foles is no stranger to the West Coast offense. In fact, he thrived under Doug Petersen’s tutilage in Philadelphia, famously leading them to a Super Bowl in lieu of Carson Wentz. Foles hasn’t shown much mobility in recent years and couldn’t get much going with his last three teams – Jacksonville, Chicago, and Indianapolis.
Colin Kaepernick
Colin Kaepernick hasn’t played in the NFL since 2016. With the 49ers, he showed a good mix of scrambling ability and arm strength. Kaepernick’s career famously blew up after the controversy surrounding his kneeling during the National Anthem. Whether or not he could still play is a question. But even so, would he be worth the controversy for the Cleveland Browns? It may be worth considering for a team looking to move on from Watson’s personal issues.
The Hail Mary: Would Tom Brady Play For the Cleveland Browns?
Tom Brady fits none of the criteria. However, at this point, he’s an offense in and of himself. With the Cleveland Browns defense, would Brady consider coming out of mothballs to become the first quarterback to take three teams to Super Bowls? Probably not, but someone should at least make that call.
Main Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
