Could Patriots QB keep Browns from drafting Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders?

While the Cleveland Browns came to an agreement on Monday to acquire backup quarterback Kenny Pickett from the Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland is also expected to pursue a veteran bridge option at the position and then use the second pick of the 2025 NFL Draft to select either Miami signal-caller Cam Ward or Colorado's Shedeur Sanders. 

However, Browns insider Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland/The Land on Demand suggested on Monday evening that Cleveland could trade for New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton III and stash him as a project for the future over either Ward or Sanders.

"Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reported the Patriots 'have had discussions' on trading Milton to acquire draft assets," Grossi shared. "Milton, who finished his college career at Tennessee, made a [top-30] visit to the Browns last year. He was selected by the Patriots in the sixth round."

Milton widely impressed during the lone in-game appearance of his rookie season, as he completed 22-of-29 passes for 241 yards with a touchdown in New England's 23-16 Week 18 win over the Buffalo Bills. However, New England has 2024 first-round draft pick Drake Maye atop the depth chart, and it seems that the club's current regime views Maye as a franchise quarterback. 

Grossi added via X (formerly known as Twitter) that Browns owner Jimmy Haslam also attended Tennessee. Additionally, Milton has three years left on an inexpensive rookie contract. That's important because Cleveland is expected to look for cheap quarterback options due to the club being stuck with what's left of Deshaun Watson's deal. 

Before Grossi made his points, team insider Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported on Monday that "the Browns genuinely like other quarterbacks in this draft besides Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders and would be excited to draft and develop one later, such as a Jalen Milroe or Jaxson Dart." 

In a mock draft published on Monday night, ESPN's Field Yates predicted that the Tennessee Titans will take Ward with the draft's first pick and that the Browns will select Colorado wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter over Sanders at No. 2. 

Perhaps Browns general manager Andrew Berry would rather pair Milton instead of a to-be rookie with a veteran like Kirk Cousins of the Atlanta Falcons, assuming Cousins and the Falcons break up at some point after the new league year opens on Wednesday.