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Browns linked to Marcus Mariota
The Cleveland Browns are expected to pursue multiple quarterbacks, and they could look at an intriguing option.
Cleveland has been linked to the likes of Malik Willis, Anthony Richardson, and some potential prospects in the draft. Yet, Browns analyst Abby Mueller of DawgsByNature believes the team should pursue Marcus Mariota of the Washington Commanders.
“Marcus Mariota is a veteran option that the Browns could pursue; however, he would offer far less upside or long-term potential compared to Willis,” Mueller wrote. “He brings substantial NFL experience as both a starter and a backup, which could help bring much-needed stability to the offense. He would cost the team less money and would most likely be on a short-term deal. Which would be a low-risk move for the team to make.”
Mariota could compete for the starting job with the Browns this season. If he doesn’t win the job, he’s one of the top backup quarterbacks in the NFL.
Mariota was selected second overall by the Tennessee Titans in 2015 and has spent the last two seasons with the Commanders. Last season, he started 8 games, going 2-6, throwing for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions.
The former second overall pick also wouldn’t cost a ton in free agency, so it could be a low-risk, potential high-reward deal.
Browns Get Concerning News on Pursuit of Top QB Option
Cleveland has been linked to Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis this offseason, as he’s the top free agent quarterback.
However, several teams will be after Willis, and ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler doesn’t think it’s likely he will land with Cleveland.
“Willis’ market has been a prominent topic this week. But a team offering him $30-plus million per year doesn’t appear realistic,” Fowler wrote. “Many front offices believe the more accurate comp is Justin Fields’ deal with the Jets last year (two years, $40 million). Could that jump up due to cap inflation and/or multiple suitors? Sure. A range of $20-25 million annually is certainly a good starting point. But Willis hitting the $30 million threshold as a player with six career starts would surprise some of the teams at the combine.
“Expect at least two and possibly several teams to be involved on Willis. “Miami is definitely in,” a source said. Arizona is combing the market, too, but it doesn’t seem likely that Willis will end up in Cleveland.”
Willis served as Jordan Love’s backup last season. He showed flashes of being a future starting quarterback in the NFL again. So, he should have plenty of teams after him, but it doesn’t appear that Cleveland will land him.
Cleveland Wants Open Competition at QB
The Browns have Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, and Dillon Gabriel under contract for 2026. But the team looks to add another quarterback.
At the NFL Draft combine, Browns head coach Todd Monken said the goal is to have an open competition at quarterback.
“It’s an open competition. I mean, I don’t know why it wouldn’t be an open competition,” Monken said this week at the NFL combine in Indianapolis. “I don’t mean that saying it harshly. But I don’t think there’s enough on film over the last couple years, one way or the other, to say, ‘Boy, we have our starter at quarterback yet.’ Whether internally or externally.”
So, it does appear that the Browns will add a quarterback this offseason.