As a seasoned Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland, Tony Grossi has been closely monitoring the team's dynamics since 1984. Recently, the focus has shifted to the Browns' quarterback strategy, raising questions about the clarity and effectiveness of their plan moving forward.
After the recent draft, many fans and analysts are left pondering: What exactly is the Browns’ plan at quarterback? Initially, there appeared to be a coherent strategy to recover from the Deshaun Watson experiment, but recent decisions have left the roadmap unclear. General Manager Andrew Berry made three trades and selected seven players, yet the Browns still seem ill-equipped to compete with standout franchise quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow in the AFC North, let alone Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes in the playoffs.
The Browns have made significant coaching changes, including hiring a new offensive coordinator and revamping the offensive line. This move aims to re-establish the Kevin Stefanski offense, which previously showed promise in 2023, emphasizing a wide-zone blocking scheme, a stronger commitment to the run game, and integration of multiple tight-end formations along with play-action passing.
With Watson accounting for a staggering $36 million on this year’s salary cap and over $130 million thereafter, Berry had to devise an innovative approach to constructing a temporary quarterback room. He traded for former Pittsburgh first-round pick Kenny Pickett, who comes with a manageable rookie contract, and signed 2023 hero Joe Flacco to a cost-effective one-year deal. This led to an open quarterback competition between Flacco and Pickett, indicating a thorough evaluation process of the quarterback class for the first time in the six years of the Berry-Stefanski partnership.
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam alleviated pressure by stating that the organization would not rush to secure a franchise quarterback, emphasizing a patient approach. He acknowledged the team's inability to trade up for the highly touted Cam Ward, saying, “If the right person's there, we're going to take him. If not, we'll figure it out for a year or two until we get the right person.” This sentiment underscores a long-term vision for the quarterback position.
As the draft unfolded, Berry executed a series of trades that significantly impacted the quarterback plan. On Day One, he traded the No. 2 overall pick, which could have secured the dual-threat sensation Travis Hunter, to acquire additional picks from Jacksonville. This decision aligned with Haslam’s directive to build a foundation for a more talented quarterback class in 2026.
On Day Two, Berry's selection of Dillon Gabriel, a quarterback from Oregon, raised eyebrows across the league. Despite a notable collegiate career, Gabriel was not ranked among the top 100 players in the draft, leading to skepticism regarding the Browns' quarterback evaluation process. Analysts expressed concerns about Gabriel’s suitability for the physical demands of the AFC North, especially given his small stature, limited arm strength, and lack of experience in harsh winter conditions.
On Day Three of the draft, Berry traded up to select Shedeur Sanders, further complicating the quarterback situation. Many viewed this decision as a potential redemption for the draft, but it also highlighted the Browns' ongoing struggles to address their quarterback issues. The abrupt choice raised questions about whether Berry was acting under Haslam's directives or if the decision stemmed from a misguided sense of urgency.
With Flacco and Pickett in the final years of their contracts, the Browns face a pivotal moment in evaluating their quarterback options. The options include competition between Flacco and Pickett for the starting role, while Gabriel and Sanders vie for the third-string position. Stefanski is tasked with managing the intricacies of this evolving quarterback room, which is likely to undergo further changes in the upcoming year.
In conclusion, the fundamental question remains: What is the Browns' plan for the quarterback position? As the team navigates through this complex landscape, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the Browns will resolve their ongoing quarterback dilemma and whether they can finally secure a long-term solution for the franchise.
