The Cleveland Browns are facing a critical quarterback dilemma, and while drafting a franchise QB is the conventional solution, their current position may complicate matters.
If the regular season ended today, the Browns would hold the fifth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This position likely places top prospects Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward out of reach without a trade. As a result, Cleveland may be forced to explore other avenues.
One such option could be the free-agent market. According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the Browns are reportedly interested in Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, should he become available this offseason.
Darnold, 27, has experienced a career resurgence with the Vikings, throwing for 3,776 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions through 15 games this season. He has also achieved a completion rate of 67.2% and a passer rating of 105.4, revitalizing his reputation after challenging stints with the Jets, Panthers, and as a backup for the 49ers in 2023.
Minnesota’s decision to draft quarterback J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick last spring makes it likely Darnold will be playing elsewhere next season. However, it remains unclear whether Darnold would have interest in joining Cleveland, particularly given their financial constraints.
With the Browns’ salary cap situation already strained, signing Darnold to a lucrative long-term contract may prove difficult. Whether Cleveland can secure their quarterback of the future via free agency or the draft remains to be seen.
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