The Cleveland Browns are facing a challenging offseason, particularly with their quarterback situation. Deshaun Watson’s recent injury has cast doubt on his availability for the 2025 season. As a result, the Browns will need to add a new quarterback, but their limited budget may restrict their options.
The Browns’ cap situation is precarious, with a $38 million deficit and Watson’s $72.9 million cap hit for 2025. This financial constraint may force the team to consider quarterbacks who were benched by their previous teams. According to The Athletic’s Zac Jackson, the Browns might only be able to afford quarterbacks like Kirk Cousins or Daniel Jones.
Both Cousins and Jones were benched by their respective teams in 2024, but they could provide a viable option for the Browns given their limited budget. However, it’s unclear whether either quarterback would be a good fit for the team.
The Browns’ quarterback situation is further complicated by the potential availability of other quarterbacks, such as Aaron Rodgers. However, after the team’s failed experiment with Watson, it’s unlikely they would pursue another high-profile quarterback with a potentially volatile personality.
Ultimately, the Browns’ cap situation will likely dictate their quarterback options, and they may be forced to settle for a less desirable choice.

