NFL insider floats Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins as possible competitors for the Brown’s QB job in 2025.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport floated 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 cap flexibility for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, according to multiple reports. It also ensured that Watson, who signed a five-year, $230 million contract fully guaranteed through 2022, would return to Cleveland next season.
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FILE – Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 13, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola, File)
But whether he enters Week 1 as QB1 is still up in the air. Rapoport said on Sunday there may be a competition.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s a competition for veterans. Aaron Rodgers, if he’s not on the Jets, he can pick someone else, Kirk Cousins is someone else,” Rapoport said.
Rapoport added that Rodgers’ future with the New York Jets may depend on whether they trade Garrett Wilson. He said Wilson may want to leave the Jets if Rodgers is reinstated for the 2025 season.
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New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers speaks at a news conference after the NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams in East Rutherford, NJ, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Rodgers’ short tenure with the Jets was tumultuous. He has 3,511 passing yards and 24 touchdowns this year.
Cousin’s time with the Atlanta Falcons appeared to be over as well. The team released Cousins for Michael Penix Jr. following a narrow win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Cousins went on to pass zero touchdowns and eight passes through four games.
Cleveland will have options at quarterback. They can choose to go the rookie quarterback route, as they will have a high draft 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 Scuteri)
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Heading into Week 17, the Browns are currently ranked fourth in the draft.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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