Myles Garrett recently made headlines by signing an extension with the Cleveland Browns, solidifying his status as the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history at an impressive $40 million per season.
When asked if he knows who will be the Browns’ starting quarterback for the upcoming season, Garrett replied, “After conversations, I do have an idea. I like it [the idea] enough to be here smiling in front of you, because I think we have a good chance of that happening and making the most out of it.”
However, he playfully added, “You know I can’t do that,” when pressed for the identity of the player.
This leads to the question: Who will take the reins as the Browns’ signal-caller?
In a recent move, Cleveland traded quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson along with a fifth-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for Kenny Pickett, a first-round selection from the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022. Additionally, the Browns met with veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, who is also considering offers from the New York Giants.
Kirk Cousins, currently with the Atlanta Falcons, could be a potential trade target if he is not released this offseason. Meanwhile, Jameis Winston, who started seven games for the Browns last season, is now a free agent. As it stands, Pickett remains the only healthy quarterback on Cleveland’s roster.
Looking ahead, the Browns hold the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which could provide an opportunity to secure their future quarterback, potentially targeting talents like Cam Ward from Miami or Shedeur Sanders from Colorado. The team’s current starter, Deshaun Watson, suffered a ruptured Achilles after seven games in 2024 and faced another rupture during recovery, likely sidelining him for the entire 2025 season.
Garrett, a four-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler, demonstrated his elite skills last season with 14 sacks and an NFL-high 22 tackles for loss. He also recorded three forced fumbles and 47 combined tackles, earning a stellar overall grade of 92.3 from PFF. This performance marks his seventh consecutive season with double-digit sacks.
Despite Garrett’s individual success, the Browns struggled last season, finishing with a disappointing 3-14 record, tying them with the Tennessee Titans and Giants for the worst in the league.
