The Cleveland Browns have no clear plans for the quarterback position. At least it has been reported that they want to provide competition for Deshaun Watson. Obviously, the team would be happy to see Watson recover quickly from his ruptured Achilles tendon and play well for them. However, the odds are almost slim that the team needs to have a plan to improve the quarterback position.

This leaves the Browns with two options – either sign a quarterback in this upcoming draft or find a competent veteran. The problem with drafting a quarterback is that it assumes this is a weak quarterback class. The Browns are also grouped closely with about ten other teams, meaning their draft position is unclear at best. For these two reasons, it might make more sense for the Browns to sign an experienced quarterback. If the team chooses to do so, these three options make a lot of sense for the team.

Jameis Winston has represented Watson excellently so far. Since becoming a full-time starter, Winston has thrown for over 300 yards in two different games. In addition, he has also beaten the AFC North Division’s two biggest rivals, the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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Winston is also an asset to the team off the field. Winston does a great job of building relationships with his teammates, as was evident in the game against the New Orleans Saints, where all of his former teammates and coaches made sure to talk to him before or after the game. Winston also becomes a fan favorite with his speeches and interviews before the game.

Sam Darnold’s career resurgence has been an entertaining story this season. Darnold was with Baker Mayfield on the Carolina Panthers in 2022 and had a terrible year. He signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023 and showed some promise with his few reps.

Darnold was able to use that experience and convince the Minnesota Vikings to take the chance to take him on as a mentor and competitor for first-round draft pick JJ McCarthy. Due to the injury McCarthy suffered, Darnold was forced to start and played exceptionally well. He has led the Vikings to a 9-2 start, throwing 21 touchdowns to just 10 interceptions.

The Vikings probably won’t bring Darnold back. They just signed Daniel Jones, who could be a much cheaper option to compete with McCarthy when he’s released. If the Browns can get Darnold, he is young enough and talented enough that he could develop into the Browns’ desperately desired franchise quarterback.

Jimmy Garoppolo is the type of quarterback Stefanski could be successful with. He is an experienced quarterback who knows how to run an offense. While Garoppolo didn’t have success with the Las Vegas Raiders, he did have success with the 49ers. The main issue with Garoppolo will be his health. He struggled with injuries in each of his appearances, which contributed to the derailment of his career.

For now, Garoppolo is following a similar path to Darnold and needs a year to learn from an offensive guru. The knowledge Garoppolo can take from the Los Angeles Rams and Sean McVay could be enticing and help the Browns. While Garoppolo won’t be the franchise quarterback, he would be serviceable and would definitely challenge Watson.