Tua Tagovailoa & Kyler Murray - While both have talent and have produced, they come with massive contracts that the Browns would prefer not to take on. It certainly becomes a different conversation as a one year bridge if their teams cut them or look to eat a significant portion of the contract.
Geno Smith - If the Raiders are looking to move on he is a good option for the Browns. While free agency might not be kind do them due to players choosing where they can go, the trade market gives you certainty. It could be one where the Raiders are happy to eat the guarantees to do a trade. Also the Browns might be able to do a trade, taking on the contract while adding a second round pick, there are options for the Browns and Raiders to explore. His 2025 season was poor but the Raiders were at much at fault as him, a fresh start should get him closer to better performances.
Anthony Richardson - Adding another backup quarterback with some potential makes little sense when they have Sanders and Gabriel already.
Mac Jones - People ask about Mac Jones being on the trade block, I think the 49ers would want to be blown away with a trade offer to do the deal and that needing something like a second round pick. He is only due to make $3.25m in 2026, which gives the 49ers a reliable backup if Purdy gets hurt, so they would need a strong offer to part ways. You have other names like Anthony Richardson but that is more of an backup quarterback addition rather than a starter teams need.
Jameis Winston - He could be a wildcard in a trade from the New York Giants, he is due $4m in 2026. If they are only looking for a backup to Shedeur Sanders this offseason then Winston in a trade or Huntley in free agency make a lot of sense. These players both have a connection to Monken so would ease the transition for the offense.