The Cleveland Browns are again entering an off-season in need of a quarterback. If the season ended today, the 3-12 Browns would own the fifth pick in the NFL draft. This could potentially put them in a position to draft a quarterback.
But would the Browns look to add a veteran quarterback in free agency? It’s a strategy that the Minnesota Vikings made last offseason before drafting J.J. McCarthy with the 10th pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
According to Mary Kay Cabot, if the Vikings were to move on from Sam Darnold this offseason, he would “certainly be the type of veteran the Browns would be looking for in 2025.”
(Darnold is someone) who could come in and win for (the Browns) right away…If the Browns could get their hands on a QB like that who’s still in the prime of his career at age 27, it would be the ideal situation for next season. With Vikings’ first-round pick J.J. McCarthy due back from his torn meniscus, Darnold could become available, and the Browns would undoubtedly explore him.
This move would make sense for several reasons. First, Darnold is having a career year in 2024, and Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski could help Darnold continue this high level of play.
Second, Stefanski got an up-close look at Darnold when the Vikings and Browns met in August for joint practices. Stefanski and the coaching staff were able to get a unique glance at Darnold’s practice habits.
Kevin O’Connell has helped change the trajectory of Darnold’s career. Stefanski could help Darnold continue his career renaissance.