As the Cleveland Browns approach the 2025 NFL season, one of their main challenges is determining whether a franchise quarterback already exists within their current roster, which includes Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel. After finishing with a disappointing 5-12 record and ranking among the league’s lowest in scoring, it remains unclear if any of these quarterbacks can lead the team long-term.
Salary Cap Issues Complicate Adding New Quarterbacks
The Browns still have Watson, Sanders, and Gabriel under contract, but with a difficult salary cap situation driven largely by Watson’s hefty $80 million cap hit in 2026, acquiring new talent at quarterback is not straightforward. This financial constraint has generated uncertainty around the team’s ability to make a significant move at the position.
Discussion Around Malik Willis as a Potential Addition
Football analyst Jack Duffin recently weighed in on the Browns’ quarterback dilemma, suggesting that adding free agent Malik Willis could be a viable option despite cap limitations. However, Duffin also pointed out that Willis may not find the Browns the most attractive choice for his career.
The year one cash & year one salary cap hit is likely to be bigger for the player the #Browns select at 6 than whatever Malik Willis gets paid. Money isn’t the issue, why Willis would pick Browns over other team is,
Jack Duffin, Analyst
The QB Market Landscape and Willis’s Position
This offseason’s quarterback market is considered modest, but Willis has enhanced his value through his performances with the Green Bay Packers in recent years. His progress, especially his improved play when stepping in at Tennessee Titans to replace Jordan Love, has positioned him as a promising candidate to secure a starting role. The Browns are among the teams that might see him as a low-key option with the potential to develop into their franchise quarterback.
The Risks for Willis in Choosing Cleveland
Although Willis could be the top free agent quarterback available, Duffin highlighted a crucial factor from the player’s perspective. Willis might only receive one opportunity to prove himself as a franchise quarterback, and committing that opportunity to a Browns team facing on-field struggles and financial constraints could deter him. Other organizations may offer clearer paths to immediate success, making Cleveland a difficult sell despite its potential.
Implications for the Browns’ Future and Quarterback Strategy
The Browns face a pivotal crossroads in deciding whether to commit internally to their existing quarterbacks or to take a chance on a free agent like Malik Willis. With the salary cap complicating roster moves and an uncertain QB market, the team’s decisions over the coming offseason will be critical in shaping their trajectory. How the Browns manage this challenge could influence not only their short-term competitiveness but also their long-term ability to establish a reliable leader at quarterback.
The year one cash & year one salary cap hit is likely to be bigger for the player the #Browns select at 6 than whatever Malik Willis gets paid.
Money isn’t the issue, why Willis would pick Browns over other team is! https://t.co/R99zRB588g
— Jack Duffin (@JackDuffin) February 11, 2026
