With the Cleveland Browns back in the quarterback market, the options are out there for who the team could potentially get as their signal-caller for 2025. Either it’s drafting someone or signing someone in free agency, Cleveland has to figure out who will be their starting quarterback.

I have looked around and looked at potential options that could be realistic option or unrealistic for Cleveland to pursue.

Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith: Realistic or Unrealistic?

We might as well discuss this. Smith is currently in the last year of his contract and will likely play out on it but his name was mentioned among our rumors. Seattle hasn’t extended Smith yet but head coach Mike MacDonald gave this answer about Smith being the signal caller in 2025.

When watching Macdonald’s press conferences, it’s just how he talks. Translation: Yes, I don’t see a reason for us to move off Geno, so why would we? It would make no sense for Seattle to move off Smith after the team went 10-7 this past season. Smith has been productive for Seattle but there have not been any signs of Seattle trying to rebuild any time soon. He’s also getting up there in age and while yes he would be an upgrade, Seattle wouldn’t get rid of him to see what they have in Sam Howell.

Not happening.

Unrealistic: Despite their salary cap situation not being ideal, don’t expect Seattle to move off Smith.

Green Bay Packers QB Malik Willis: Realistic or Unrealistic

This is one of the more intriguing options. Willis, who was at one point a starter with the Tennessee Titans was eventually traded to the Green Bay Packers this past offseason. When quarterback Jordan Love went down with a knee injury, Willis stepped in and in his limited time starting he looked better than how he looked when he was in Tennessee.

Considering how he played in Matt Lafleur’s system (which has some similarities to what Stefanski runs), Willis could work. However, would Green Bay trade him for the right price?

If Cleveland has to give up a day 3 pick, then it shouldn’t be a hassle. Willis does have some traits that you can work with and his passing needs a bit of refinement in some areas but it’s an option.

Realistic: If Cleveland has to give up a Day 3 pick, then it shouldn’t be an issue to facilitate a trade

Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold: Realistic or Unrealistic

If there is one name that has been brought up more, it’s quarterback Sam Darnold. Darnold is coming off a career year with the Minnesota Vikings and he is slated to be a free agent when the offseason approaches.

However, Darnold’s contract value took a hit with his last two performances to end the season. If this season has taught us anything is that competent quarterback play can get you far, but you can only go so far with it. W

hen Minnesota lost their rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy for the year, many questioned if Darnold could step up. He did. However, when things aren’t ideal Darnold would revert back to old habits. Cleveland needs competent quarterback play, Darnold can provide that. However, would the Browns match what Darnold wants on the open market?

Darnold would be viewed as a bridge option but not the long-term solution, and considering how he played under Kevin O’Connell, learning the offense wouldn’t be much of a challenge. However, I don’t see Cleveland going after Darnold due to the price he could demand but things could change.

Unrealistic: His price range might drive Cleveland away despite him being an upgrade and a good scheme.