The NFL Scouting Combine is in the rearview mirror and teams around the league are going to be turning their focus to free agency.
A team like the Cleveland Browns is going to be interesting to watch. Cleveland is currently over the cap for 2025, but they have contract restructures to make happen to get them to where they need to be. One contract that will be restructured at some point is the one of Deshaun Watson, who may not play at all in 2025 after re-injuring his Achilles.
The Browns are going to be selecting a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft. Cleveland would be wise to sign a quarterback in free agency as well.
ESPN projects that the Cleveland Browns will sign QB Justin Fields
In a recent piece by Aaron Schatz of ESPN, he projects that the Browns will sign ex-Pittsburgh Steelers QB Justin Fields. Of course, Fields is a former Buckeye and would be well-accepted by most of the fanbase, who root for Ohio State by default.
“The Browns and the Giants are in similar situations regarding the quarterback position. Yes, Cleveland has Deshaun Watson, but he hasn't played well in the past couple of seasons and will require additional recovery time after re-tearing his Achilles tendon. But both the Browns and the Giants need to decide whether they want to draft a quarterback, sign a veteran, or do both. Highly drafted quarterbacks can benefit from veteran backups, so let's have the Browns bring one in.” — Aaron Schatz, ESPN
Fields started six games for the Steelers last year before they handed the keys to Russell Wilson. During that time, Fields played well and some of the best ball of his career, but it was predetermined that Wilson was going to be the guy once healthy. Fields threw five touchdowns to one interception with 1,106 passing yards in 2024. The former first-round pick added 289 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
It is not going to break the bank to sign someone like Fields, who will likely sign a one or two year contract wherever he lands.
After being selected No. 11 overall by the Chicago Bears in 2021, Fields was never able to take the franchise job in Chi-Town and was inconsistent. Turnovers were an issue in Fields’ first three seasons, but he was much better at taking care of the ball in 2025.
Ideally, the Browns would start someone like Fields until a rookie is ready to take over the offense. Cleveland wants to get back on track in 2025 after winning just three games a season after making the playoffs.
Getting the quarterback position is the single biggest thing the Browns must figure out or jobs will be lost in 2025. A player like Fields makes a ton of sense as a veteran option that can bring some excitement.
