Cleveland is going to spend money on free agency in 2025, despite what national and local media report. Today I’ll start a series of articles on six positions Cleveland will need to address, whether it be as starters or backups, quarterback, offensive tackle, safety, tight end, center and offensive guard. Today, quarterback.

This is the most important position in the 2025 Browns off-season. Will Cleveland use their overall number two draft pick on a quarterback or will they sign a veteran starter and pick a developmental quarterback in the later rounds? This has been the predominant argument since the season ended. As of today, and I could change my mind, I believe the Browns will sign a veteran free agent to start 2025. I also believe Cleveland’s quarterback room will consist of three new players, a veteran starter, a veteran backup and a draft pick. Currently the Browns have Deshaun Watson and Dorian Thompson-Robinson on the roster. Watson won’t see the field in 2025 because of injury and Thompson-Robinson will stay on the roster through training camp then be released. I’m including Kirk Cousins on this list even though he’s not a free agent yet.

Kirk Cousins, Falcons. Cousins is 36 years old, played 98% snaps and has been in the league for thirteen years. His cap hit for 2024 was $40 million and his potential 2025 contract could be one-year at 1.255 million plus incentives.

Daniel Jones, Vikings. Jones is 28 years old, played 60.2% snaps (Giants) and has been in the league for five years. His cap hit for 2024 was $1.125 million and his potential 2025 contract could be one-year at $3 million plus incentives.

Jacoby Brissett, Patriots. Brissett is 33 years old, played 32.1% snaps and has been in the league for nine years. His 2024 cap hit was $8 million and his potential 2025 contract could be one-year at $3 million plus incentives.

Veteran Backups:

Mac Jones, Jaguars. Jones is 27 years old, played 48.1% snaps and has been in the league for four years. His 2024 cap hit was $3.9 million and his potential 2025 contract could be one-year at $3 million.

Jimmy Garoppolo, Rams. Garoppolo is 34 years old, played 6.1% snaps and has been in the league for eleven years. His cap hit for 2024 was $3.2 million and his potential 2025 contract could be one-year at $3 million.

Zach Wilson, Broncos. Wilson is 26 years old, played 0% snaps and has been in the league for four years. His 2024 cap hit was $8.8 million and his potential 2025 contract could be one-year at $3 million.

Others:

Justin Fields, Steelers, C.J. Beathard, Jaguars, Cooper Rush, Cowboys, Kyle Allen, Steelers, Marcus Mariota, Commanders and Kyle Trask, Buccaneers.