CLEVELAND, Ohio — Steelers free agent quarterback Russell Wilson is still in the mix for the Browns, although they haven’t necessarily made him a formal offer yet.
Value in the veteran quarterback market is paramount for the Browns because they still have Deshaun Watson on the books with a $37 million cap charge, and because they’re likely to take a quarterback at No. 2 overall or early in the draft.
It’s why Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins was on the Browns’ radar from the jump, because there was a chance they could sign him for the veteran minimum of $1.255 million. The Falcons are on the hook for $27.5 million base salary whether he’s there or not, and elected to keep him on the roster this week and pay him his $10 million bonus. They’re comfortable keeping him, and but might consider trading him to recoup something from the massive signing last year.
Wilson’s visit on Thursday , in which he met with the Browns from morning until shortly after 2 p.m., was an opportunity for both sides to get to know each other and see if it was a fit. He also received a sales-pitch at the team facility that day from Myles Garrett, who said Friday he’d be a “valuable asset.”
Wilson, 36, always planned to keep his commitment to visit the Giants later that night and on Friday.
The difference between the Browns and the Giants is that the Giants are also trying to sign Aaron Rodgers, who’s deciding between them, the Steelers and Vikings. The Browns, on the other hand, have a clear path to bring Wilson in if they make him an offer. The only impediment is that they’ll likely draft a quarterback with their No. 2 overall pick or later in draft if they trade down or take one in a later round.
Wilson, who went 6-5 with the Steelers last season, might also have a chance to re-sign there if Rodgers lands elsewhere.
At this point, Wilson seems held up by Rodgers’ indecision. The Athletic reported on Saturday that he prefers to play for the Vikings largely because of their head coach Kevin O’Connell.
In Cleveland, Wilson would work with new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, who’s well-versed in dual-threat quarterbacks, and new quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave, a longtime NFL assistant and coordinator for five different NFL teams.
But money is definitely an object for the Browns as they navigate the shrinking vet QB market. It’s why they weren’t in the hunt for some of the bigger name QBs such as Sam Darnold, who received $33.5 million a year from the Seahawks.
**Kenny Pickett’s role**
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While the Browns continue to look for a moderately-priced veteran bridge QB who can possibly start the season in the event their rookie isn’t ready, they’re excited to have Kenny Pickett in the fold. Acquired Monday in a trade with the Eagles, Pickett has gone 15-10 in his career, and can start games for the Browns if necessary. But they always planned to acquire an experienced vet, a more developmental one, and a rookie in the draft to complete their overhaul of the room. They’ll also have Deshaun Watson on hand at the facility as he rehabs from surgery to repair his re-ruptured Achilles.
The Steelers’ first-round pick in 2022 out Pitt, Pickett brings good starting experience and good upside potential. The Browns are giving him a bona fide chance to compete for the starting job, and he’s determined to win it. He’s already getting a head start on his chemistry with receiver Jerry Jeudy, with whom he’s working out in Florida this offseason for the first time.
Pickett, 26, performed well in his lone start with the Eagles last season, a 41-7 victory over the Cowboys in which he threw one touchdown and no interceptions en route to a 119.6 rating. But in his last 10 starts, including his last nine in Pittsburgh, he’s thrown only three touchdown passes. Granted, he’s also thrown only interception in that span, but he’ll need to be more explosive as a starter.
The Steelers granted Pickett’s wish to be traded after they signed Wilson last year, and he has plenty to prove - even if he has to try to beat out Wilson for the job here.
**Will they pursue Joe Flacco?**
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The Browns have so far expressed only mild interest in Joe Flacco, but could get more interested depending on what happens with Wilson and Cousins. Flacco, who went 4-1 for the Browns in 2023 and helped them clinch a wild card berth, also visited the Giants on Thursday and could be a good option for them if they don’t land Aaron Rodgers.
Flacco knows the Browns’ landscape, their system and much of their personnel. His big-arm and downfield aggressiveness could be good for Jeudy, who made the Pro Bowl last season and achieved his first 1,000-yard season with Jameis Winston flinging him the ball.
He’s been on the radar, and remains an option.
**Browns will be open to re-signing Nick Chubb in the second wave**
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Chubb didn’t find a new home in the first wave of free agency, and the Browns will be open to re-signing him in the second wave if they determine they’ll have a role for him. They’ll also likely draft a running back in this rich class to pair with Jerome Ford, or acquire one in a trade or free agency.
Because Chubb wouldn’t necessarily be suited for a third-down back role, the Browns would have to be sure they’d have some carries for him in the featured back role, and they don’t know that yet.
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