Browns Change Draft Strategy with Major QB Decision?

No team has a more complicated quarterback situation than the Cleveland Browns. While they decide what to do with the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft, Cleveland still has Deshaun Watson listed as their No. 1 quarterback on the depth chart. 

That is, if he makes it to the field following yet another injury setback. Watson re-tore his Achilles in January, putting his status for the entire 2025 season in doubt. Behind him, the Browns signed Kenny Pickett in free agency. 

The question has since become what the Browns will do to best navigate their future at that spot. Friday morning, Cleveland may have thrown a hint as to where they stand. 

The Browns have signed Joe Flacco, reuniting with the veteran quarterback after their one season apart, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Flacco, 40, gets a one-year $4 million deal in his return though he can make up to $13 million through incentives. 

Cleveland's quarterback room now gets decently crowded with Watson, Pickett and Flacco. Ironically, the moves somewhat mirrors a move that the New York Giants made, signing two free agent quarterbacks of their own while slated to pick at No. 3. 

Many draft analysts have identified the Browns as a potential destination for a rookie quarterback in the coming weeks. There is no indication from the franchise that they will not make such a selection, but it appears unlikely they will target one at No. 2. 

Cam Ward appears to be the Tennessee Titans target at No. 1 overall. Despite the celebrity of Shedeur Sanders, his stock has fluctuated in recent weeks with franchises at the top of the order appearing hesitant to spend their pick on him. 

Ward, Sanders and Ole Miss' Jaxson Dart headline an underwhelming quarterback class this season. Given the abundance of high level talent to be found among prospects like Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter, the Browns may see a better fit in adding one of those pieces before taking a flier on a late-round quarterback. 

Nonetheless, the 2023 Comeback Player of the Year returns to a place where he was adored, powering the Browns' surge to the playoffs that season.