NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport mentioned two veterans who could compete for the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback job in 2025.
The Browns and Deshaun Watson restructured the quarterback’s contract on Friday to create salary cap flexibility for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, according to multiple reports. It also had Watson, who signed a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract in 2022, return to Cleveland next season.
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FILE – Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) in action during the NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 13, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola, File)
But it’s still up in the air whether he enters Week 1 as QB1. Rapoport said Sunday that a competition could be held.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s a veteran competition. Aaron Rodgers, if he’s not on the Jets, would be a potential option, Kirk Cousins another,” Rapoport said.
Rapoport added that Rodgers’ future with the New York Jets could depend on whether they trade Garrett Wilson. He said Wilson might want out of the Jets if Rodgers returns for the 2025 season.
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New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers speaks at a news conference after an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Rodgers’ short tenure with the Jets has been nothing but tumultuous. He has 3,511 passing yards and 24 touchdown passes this year.
Cousins’ time with the Atlanta Falcons also appeared to be over. The team replaced Cousins with Michael Penix Jr. following a narrow victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Cousins had a streak of zero touchdown passes and eight interceptions over the course of four games.
Cleveland will have some options at quarterback. They could opt to go the rookie quarterback route as they will likely have a high pick in the 2025 draft.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison, right, and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins exchange jerseys after an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, in Vegas. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Entering Week 17, the Browns currently sit in fourth place in the draft order.
