The Cleveland Browns appear ready to pivot from their current quarterback Deshaun Watson. According to an early 2025 mock draft from Draft Wire’s Curt Popejoy, the team is eyeing Carson Beck, a promising talent from the University of Georgia, for their next signal caller. This decision could mark a significant shift in strategy for the Browns, reflecting a broader reassessment of their quarterback situation.
The Rise of Carson Beck
Carson Beck’s performance at Georgia has been nothing short of impressive. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 215 pounds, Beck completed 72.4% of his passes last season, throwing for 3,941 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. His robust play has positioned him as a top prospect for the 2025 NFL draft.
The Cleveland Browns’ Quarterback Quandary
The Cleveland Browns‘ journey with Deshaun Watson has been fraught with challenges. Since acquiring Watson in a blockbuster trade with the Houston Texans during the 2022 offseason, Cleveland’s experience has been less than ideal.
Despite a hefty investment, including a fully guaranteed $230 million contract extending through 2027, Watson’s tenure has been marred by suspensions and injuries. The quarterback has only played in 12 of a possible 34 games since his arrival.
The potential decision to draft Beck in 2025 suggests that the Browns are preparing to cut their losses. It implies an acknowledgment that Watson may not return to the Pro Bowl form he exhibited early in his career with the Texans.
Financial Implications and Historical Precedents
The financial implications of moving on from Watson are significant. With his contract fully guaranteed, Cleveland faces a dead cap hit of at least $17 million if they choose to trade or release him before 2027. However, recent NFL history shows that teams are increasingly willing to absorb substantial cap hits to facilitate changes at quarterback.
Notable examples include the Denver Broncos with Russell Wilson and the Minnesota Vikings with Kirk Cousins, who faced cap hits of $53 million and $28.5 million, respectively, in 2024.
Cleveland Browns Eye Quarterback Change
The Cleveland Browns’ selection of a new quarterback in the upcoming draft would undoubtedly stir intrigue among fans and analysts alike. It would be interesting to see how the team manages the transition, especially considering the financial stakes involved with Watson’s contract.
As the 2025 draft approaches, all eyes will be on Cleveland’s front office to see if they indeed turn the page and embrace a new direction under Carson Beck’s potential leadership. This decision could redefine the team’s future and perhaps finally stabilize their quarterback position after years of uncertainty.
Sources: Yardbarker
