The path moving forward for the Cleveland Browns, like most teams, starts with the quarterback. At least on the field. Jimmy Haslam first has to decide what happens with GM Andrew Berry and HC Kevin Stefanski. The power structure with the Browns is key when understanding decisions.

With Berry and Stefanski likely, but not certainly, back in 2025, what happens at quarterback can be assumed or guessed but no one knows for sure:

• Jettison Deshaun Watson anyway they can
• Keep Watson on the roster but make him the inactive backup
• Give Watson a chance to compete with draft pick or free agent for the job

Cleveland hopes to have an answer if Dawand Jones can hold down the left tackle spot while many believe that Cedric Tillman has already proven he has an important future role with the team. The Browns defense has a couple of interesting young pieces as well.

Almost none of that matters unless the team figures it out at quarterback. A look at the upcoming NFL free agent class gives a glimpse of players that could be available including at least 10 who will have started games in 2024:

• Sam Darnold
• Russell Wilson
• Justin Fields
• Jacoby Brissett
• Andy Dalton
• Mason Rudolph
• Joe Flacco
• Tyler Huntley
• Cooper Rush (Will start for Dallas this week)
• Jameis Winston
• Jimmy Garoppolo
• Trey Lance
• Marcus Mariota
• Desmond Ridder
• Mac Jones
• Kyle Allen
• Nick Mullens
• Taylor Heinicke
• Carson Wentz
• Case Keenum
• Josh Dobbs
• Zach Wilson

Any of the above quarterbacks interest you and you think the Browns can afford to bring in next year? Share your QB thoughts below