Browns would've scrapped blockbuster trade with Jaguars under one condition

The Browns took quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel during the 2025 NFL Draft. However, neither may have landed in Cleveland if the opportunity to take another passer presented itself.

During the draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars dealt four picks to the Browns to move up from No. 5 to No. 2 and select Colorado cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter. In a story published Tuesday, The Athletic's Michael Silver reported the trade had been in place since April 7, but it had one caveat. 

If the Tennessee Titans had passed on Miami QB Cam Ward with pick No. 1, the Browns would've canceled the deal. Cleveland probably knew that was a long shot. 

In a news conference on April 22, Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi said they would keep the top pick. 

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the New York Giants offered two first-rounders and multiple other picks to move up to No. 1, but the Titans rejected the offer (h/t ESPN's Turron Davenport).

The Titans declining the haul seems surprising, but Ward reportedly impressed them throughout the predraft process. 

"I'm not comparing him to [Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes]," Borgonzi, a former Chiefs personnel executive, told Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer in a story published Monday. "But some of the stuff I saw with Pat, just in terms of his instincts, spatial awareness, arm talent, arm angles, it kind of reminded me a little bit of Pat."  

The Browns' hope that the Titans would suddenly change their plans was understandable. Still, they shouldn't feel that not nabbing Ward ruined their draft.

With pick No. 5, the Browns selected Michigan DT Mason Graham, who earned a first-team All-American nod in 2024.

Taking two QBs in the draft was a bit puzzling, but if one hits, it will look smart. Sanders tossed 37 touchdown passes in 13 starts in his final season at Colorado. Gabriel, meanwhile, threw 30 TD passes in 14 starts in his final season at Oregon. 

Last season, the Browns went 3-14, missing the playoffs for the third time in four seasons. Even a talented prospect like Ward shouldn't be expected to solve their problems instantly.