NFL analysts weigh in on the Cleveland Browns’ options at quarterback and decision-makers.
As the Cleveland Browns prepare to travel to Louisiana to face the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome, they sit in last place in the AFC North with a record of just 2-7. Quarterback Jameis Winston has taken the reins of the offense following Deshaun Watson’s season-ending injury, setting the stage for Winston’s return to face his former team.
Before suffering an Achilles injury, quarterback Deshaun Watson struggled, failing to surpass 200 yards in all seven starts. While Jameis Winston has since taken over under center, the offense briefly saw positives defeating the Baltimore Ravens, but has failed to regain its rhythm since. Watson’s performances and contract have fueled speculation about whether head coach Kevin Stefanski was overruled by ownership in keeping Watson as the starter.
NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler of The Athletic shared his thoughts on the Browns’ future at quarterback during an appearance on the Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show.
“I will say that I’m an Andrew Berry fan. I think there’s a lot of good things going on with that Browns front office. I don’t think it matters much when we know that a lot of the strings being pulled are from above them. That’s going to be more of the doubt with this team moving forward than anything else.” said Brugler.
Brugler also pointed to the influence of ownership on top-10 draft picks.
“When you draft a quarterback in the top 10, though, it’s not a GM decision, it’s an ownership decision. That’s with every organization. But we know with the Browns, especially if you have a top-10 pick, the ownership is going to have his thumb on the scale.”
As for the 2025 quarterback class, Brugler offered tempered praise.
“It’s hard to have positive conviction about this group. Cam Ward from Miami has a ton of upside, and Shaduer Sanders has maybe the best floor of the group. But there’s not one quarterback in this class that you can point to and say, ‘we’ll draft him top-10.’”
It's worth noting that there are rumors that the Deion Sanders family might steer Shedeur away from Cleveland ... but that Brugler is suggesting Shedeur's qualifications might not be as rock-solid as some think.
With a pivotal Week 11 matchup against the Saints looming, the Browns must focus on improving their offensive efficiency to end their losing streak. Winston’s return to New Orleans adds intrigue to the contest as Cleveland looks to salvage its season with a much-needed win. Winston will look to overcome his former team and earn the Browns their third win of the season.
