The Cleveland Browns face a significant decision as they look to build a successful team under their new head coach, Todd Monken: choosing the direction they’ll go with the quarterback position.
Last season saw several QB developments unfold in Cleveland, including the Joe Flacco trade to the Cincinnati Bengals, followed by Dillon Gabriel becoming the team’s starting QB. Gabriel performed capably through most of the season, until he was sidelined with a concussion, allowing the team to evaluate rookie Shedeur Sanders.
Sanders showed flashes of potential with some highlight plays, achieving a record of 3-4 as the team’s starter. He maintained his commitment to improving during the offseason so he could be the type of elite QB he wants to be in the league.
However, NFL free agency is a busy time for teams as they look to sign new talent, including quarterbacks. Several big names have emerged as potential new options for teams to sign, including Kyler Murray, whom the team will officially release next Wednesday.
While Murray is an appealing option, analyst Tony Grossi warned the Browns about adding him with the rest of the QBs in Cleveland.
“They don't need another guy to compete for the starting job. They need a guy to be there in the background and help the quarterbacks in the room and be there if they need him, and that's not Kyler Murray,” Grossi said while calling in to ESPN Cleveland.
In the comments, many fans didn’t agree with Rossi’s sentiments, though, suggesting they’d prefer to have a quarterback like Murray on the Browns’ roster due to his proven track record and capabilities at the position.
“Kyler Murray will cost almost nothing and is 10 times better than any QB we have. It would be stupid to not explore the option,” an X commenter wrote.
Others replied with, “But Grossi he’s better then every qb in that room,” and “There’s enough backup QBs in that room.”
Adding a veteran QB along with their young players might be a recipe for future success. However, fans want to see immediate results next season rather than more losses piling up for the Browns.
Cleveland begins a new era with their new head coach, Todd Monken, the former offensive coordinator with the Baltimore Ravens. He's yet to commit to any of the three quarterbacks the team has, which also includes Deshaun Watson, along with Sanders and Gabriel, who might all compete for the starting job again.
However, the team’s general manager, Andrew Berry, indicated he plans to look at the quarterback market during NFL free agency.
In addition to Murray, there are other options the team could look into for QBs, including Washington Commanders veteran Marcus Mariota and Green Bay Packers backup Malik Willis, who showed his ability to lead a team after replacing Jordan Love several times this past season due to injuries.
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