NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport has brought up 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 maximum flexibility for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, according to multiple reports. It also makes it clear that Watson, who signed a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract in 2022, will return to Cleveland next season.
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FILE – Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a play during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 13, 2024 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola, File)
But whether he will enter Week 1 as QB1 is still up in the air. There may be a contest, Rapoport said Sunday.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if this is a veteran competition. Aaron Rodgers, if he’s not on the Jets, would be a possible option, and Kirk Cousins is another option,” Rapoport said.
Rapoport added that Rodgers’ future with the New York Jets could depend on whether or not they trade Jarrett Wilson. He said Wilson might want to exit 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, on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Seth Wing)
Rodgers’ short time with the Jets was anything but turbulent. He has 3,511 passing yards and 24 touchdown passes this year.
Cousins’ time with the Atlanta Falcons appears to be over as well. The team traded Cousins for Michael Penix Jr. after a narrow win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Cousins went on a streak of zero touchdown passes and eight interceptions over four games.
Cleveland will have some options at the quarterback position. They could opt to go the route of a rookie quarterback, as they will likely have a high pick in 2025.
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 Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Rick Scottri)
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Entering Week 17, the Browns currently sit fourth in the draft standings.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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