The Cleveland Browns have problems. Full stop.
Listing those problems is easy, as many Browns fans may have just done in their head, because, at 2-7, looking at the positives just does not make sense. In some order, Cleveland’s problems are or could be:
- Left tackle
- Quarterback
- Top wide receiver
- Head coach
- General manager
- The Deshaun Watson trade
- Looming set of free agents
- Salary cap limitations
What did we miss?
There are a wide number of teams that might be in the market for a starting quarterback next season. The 2026 NFL draft might help solve a few of those problems, and a few teams might wait until 2027 to address their issue, but the Browns
need at the position continues to be a big talking point.
Normally, NFL rumors start to percolate around the midpoint of the season, shortly following the NFL trade deadline. This year is no different as ESPN’s Insiders shared some of the “buzz” they are hearing around the league, including QB Kyler Murray potentially being a fit in Cleveland:
It’s clear to everyone watching the Cardinals over the past month that the offense is running more smoothly with Jacoby Brissett at the helm. Murray’s 44.3 QBR ranks 26th in the NFL, but he is an immense talent who could use a change. Multiple teams will likely have quarterback openings, including the Jets and Browns.
It was also noted that recent “reclamation projects” could see Murray’s value go up:
Coaches love reclamation projects, and I think Murray can be salvaged. Several former first-round picks have had success after leaving the teams that drafted them: Daniel Jones (Colts), Sam Darnold (Vikings/Seahawks), Baker Mayfield (Buccaneers) and even Mac Jones (49ers) to a lesser extent. Murray is deeper into his career than those players were, but many league evaluators still considered him among the top 12-14 quarterbacks entering this season. What happened this season won’t change that outlook too much.
Currently on the injured reserve due to a toe problem, Murray is in his seventh season in the league after being drafted first overall in 2019. He’s completed 67% of his passes for over 20,000 yards with 121 touchdowns and 60 interceptions. He’s also rushed for over 3,000 yards with another 32 touchdowns. Last year, Murray had a 63.4 QBR, the best of his career, and a Pro Football Focus grade of 82.1, the third best of his seven-year career behind 2020 (82.8) and 2021 (84.0).
Murray has three more years on his contract, but the only guaranteed money left on his deal is in 2026. A trade in the offseason would limit how much cash and cap space the acquiring team would inherit, but an adjusted contract could be a part of the deal as well.
What is your interest level in Murray on the Browns if he were made available?
Share your thoughts in the comment section below
