With a new head coach and offensive system, which should include a myriad of additions on the offensive line and wide receiver rooms, we do not know for sure what the Cleveland Browns want to do at the quarterback position. GM Andrew Berry and HC Todd Monken both spoke about Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, and Dillon Gabriel as having a chance to compete for the starting QB job in 2026.
The list of veteran quarterbacks that are available in NFL free agency is longer and more impressive than most
seasons, with Las Vegas Raiders QB Geno Smith being the most recent addition to the list:
- Geno Smith
- Kyler Murray
- Daniel Jones
- Aaron Rodgers
- Malik Willis
- Russell Wilson
- Joe Flacco
- Jimmy Garoppolo
- Carson Wentz
- Kenny Pickett
- Marcus Mariota
- Tyler Huntley
There are varying reports that Mac Jones and Anthony Richardson might also be available in trades.
With the Raiders move being the most recent, it is interesting to note Smith’s career. A second-round pick of the New York Jets, Smith was labeled a bust after starting his first two seasons. After bouncing from the Jets to the Giants and then the Los Angeles Chargers, Smith found a home with the Seattle Seahawks, becoming their full-time starter in 2022 at 32 years old.
After leading the league with a 70% completion percentage in his first year as a starter in Seattle, Smith’s play remained high for two more years, including a 10-7 season with over 4,300 yards passing and 70% completion in 2024.
Las Vegas traded for Smith last offseason and gave him a contract extension, but things fell off for Smith and the Raiders, including leading the league with 17 interceptions. Following HC Pete Carroll and OC Chip Kelly being fired, reports came out about just how dysfunctional the offense was that Smith was trying to run.
For the Browns, it starts with what Monken thinks about Sanders and/or Watson. If Cleveland’s new head coach believes he can build a successful offense with them, adding a veteran like Smith (or Murray, Jones, etc) doesn’t make much sense. At that point, a developmental player like Richardson or a solid backup like Huntley would suffice.
If Monken is not on board with his current options, then Cleveland will likely need to sell Smith on joining the orange and brown. Given his contract with Las Vegas, Smith (like Murray) has no benefit to sign for anything more than the veteran’s minimum this season. That gives Smith a chance to navigate where he wants to sign based on talent around him, fit in the offense, and belief in the coaching staff and organization.
The Browns would have an uphill battle convincing Smith that Cleveland was the spot for him. However, the plethora of veteran quarterbacks available could limit Smith’s options this offseason.
IF Monken is not sold on Sanders, Watson and/or Gabriel, what do you think about Smith being the bridge quarterback for the Browns in 2026?
Share your thoughts in the comment section below
