Report: Browns choose a quarterback in the first round of the NFL draft

Will the Browns choose a quarterback in the first round of the NFL draft? Hello, Mary Kay!
Cleveland, Ohio — In this week’s Hey, Mary Kay! I respond to questions on the first round of the NFL draft, Deshaun Watson, and more. Some of the questions come from Football Insider subscribers. To sign up and get SMS and

newsletters, click the blue banner at the top of the Cleveland Browns’ website.

Hello, Mary Kay:
Do you think the Browns will choose a quarterback in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft? Do you think they’ll pursue the experienced route in free agency or trade? Thank you. Jared Zupancic, Scottsdale, Arizona.

Hello, Jared: I believe the Browns will first decide whether to trade for or sign a seasoned quarterback or a young one in need of a second shot in free agency. If they locate a quarterback who they feel can win here with the correct supporting cast, I believe they will sign him and also seriously consider selecting one if they believe there is a top ten NFL quarterback within the group. It is not thought to be the strongest of quarterback classes, but the Browns should scout rosters and the free agent pool for a possible starter.

They may also offer Deshaun Watson a shot to fight for the position if he recovers fully from his ruptured Achilles by training camp. But they can’t wait to find out. They’ll add a quarterback or two in the spring, hoping he can help them get back on track.

Hello, Mary Kay:
I believe Deshaun Watson will return next year. Do you believe they will make DW fight for the job? Or, regardless of who is picked or signed, the job is his owing to cap considerations? — CJ Koller (X)

Hello, CJ: The Browns will carefully consider and pursue all of their options with Watson, including bringing him back and providing him a chance to compete for the starting job. They can’t give him the job coming into camp, despite his massive cap hit of almost $73 million, because they don’t know where he’ll be physically in August. Despite a midseason torn Achilles similar to Watson’s, Atlanta’s Kirk Cousins returned to camp in July, although he is not as mobile as Watson. Watson will most likely have to come in and show what he can accomplish before the Browns make any judgments.

I believe all parties are open to a return, but there is a long period between now and the start of camp at the end of July. Watson’s health prevents the Browns from committing to him, so they will need to locate another prospective starter. It’s tricky, and the large cap costs are a major concern. They will not, however, start him if they are unable to win.