Browns Signing Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs Backup?

The Cleveland Browns have reached a near breaking point with quarterback Deshaun Watson. Once a controversial signing with some on-field promise, Watson is now simply a major financial burden that the team cannot shake.  

Watson has only played in 19 games over the last three seasons since arriving in Cleveland. The fading star quarterback tore his Achilles again in January amid his rehab process, extending out his timeline for a return once again. 

This entire saga has boiled over, making for one of the worst investments in modern NFL history. More likely than not, Watson will miss the majority of the 2025 season if not all of it. 

His injury regression has the Browns in a bind. In their position, picking second overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, the team should be in a rebuilding phase. However, in tow with all the needs the team has across the roster, they are also tangled up in massive contracts with Watson, Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward. 

If they want to reset, they could potentially move on from some of those assets, including Garrett who has already requested a trade. But they will have a tough time finding a team who will take on Watson's contract. 

Turning back to the draft, that means their No. 2 overall pick may be spent filling another hole besides the quarterback spot. Cleveland will still need someone to manage the offense under center though. 

That solution could come in the form of a veteran available through free agency. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano reported coming out of last week's NFL Scouting Combine that the Browns could be interested in Kansas City Chiefs backup Carson Wentz. 

"The Browns will consider cost when it comes to the quarterback market, given they still owe injured Watson that $92 million over the next two years. People I've talked to expect Daniel Jones to be on their radar, along with Kirk Cousins if he becomes available. Another name to watch here is Carson Wentz."

Jones certainly wants another chance to be a starter in the league, but the Browns do not have a history suggesting that would be the right move for him. But could Wentz be the answer?

If nothing else, Wentz could serve as a bridge quarterback to get the franchise through the 2025 season. There are some intriguing quarterbacks in this year's draft, but the Browns may want to fill needs elsewhere early on. 

Wentz himself is a capable veteran who could want one more chance to start after backing up Patrick Mahomes and Matthew Stafford in recent seasons. From that perspective, there is an ideal fit. 

But this is nonetheless a predicament for the Browns who are still constrained by their cap situation. Perhaps Wentz can serve as placeholder through next season, but there is still a great deal for the organization to work through as the build the team for the coming years.