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Browns linked to acquiring fromer top pick
The Cleveland Browns are searching for their franchise quarterback, and one insider links them to a surprising name.
Cleveland has been linked to adding a quarterback this offseason, whether that’s through the draft, free agency, or a trade. Yet, NFL insider Todd McShay said on his podcast that he believes the Browns will pursue a trade for Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud.
“Don’t be surprised, in the next couple of weeks, as we get closer and closer to free agency, there’s going to be some big-name quarterbacks that are currently in destinations, that have contracts, that are going to be targeted. Teams are going to be aggressive. C.J. [Stroud] is one of them,” ESPN’s Todd McShay said on “The McShay Show” on February 16. “Does he need a new scenery?”
McShay then named the Browns as a potential landing spot, which would be a stunning move. Stroud was stellar as a rookie for the Texans, but he has taken a step back in each of the past two years.
Yet, Stroud is still just 24 years old, so perhaps the Browns believe he can improve and get back to his rookie form.
Stroud could also be moved as Houston will have to pick up his fifth-year option soon, and then hand him a lucrative extension, which the Texans may not want to do. Yet, with Deshaun Watson’s contract coming off the books after this season, the Browns have the cap space to give Stroud the extension.
Browns Searching for a QB
Cleveland hired Todd Monken as their new head coach, and he’s open to adding a quarterback.
Shedeur Sanders ended the year as the starting quarterback, and he’s expected to be part of the competition. Yet, Monken won’t hand him the starting job, as he wants to see what else the team adds.
“Well, I think like any position on the team, that’s still to be determined. Am I excited about Shedeur, am I excited about all the quarterbacks in the room? Am I excited to coach this football team? Absolutely. I can’t wait for them to get back and for us to get started.”
The Browns have been linked to free agent Malik Willis as well. So, Cleveland’s quarterback room will be set after the draft and free agency, when who will be the starter should be easier to identify.
Monken ‘Intrigued’ by Watson
The Browns also have Watson returning from injury in 2026, and Monken is intrigued by him.
Watson is a former Pro Bowler and was acquired to be the franchise guy. And, Monken is reportedly intrigued by him as their quarterback option.
“It remains to be seen if he’d want to conduct an open competition in camp or name his QB1 heading in and give him most of the starting reps,” Cabot wrote. “At this point, Sanders has a chance to win the job. But Monken is also intrigued by Watson and curious to see what he might have left. I do think they like the idea of keeping their QBs hungry to win the job.”
So, it’s clear the Browns are keeping their options open at quarterback going into 2026.