The Deshaun Watson saga continues, and the latest news about a new accuser has the franchise in limbo. Not only is Watson playing poorly on the field, showing a weak arm that struggles to drive the ball and a lack of pocket awareness, but his off-field conduct continues to haunt the Cleveland Browns.
If the newest accuser has video proof, as her lawyer claims , the Browns might have a way out of his monstrous guaranteed contract. If they can void his deal, the Browns would still have to deal with a cap hit in coming years, but they'd get about $92 million in relief.
Honestly, after watching Watson, the Browns should look to replace him either way if his play doesn't improve. They can simply bench Watson pay out the remaining money, and then invest in a rookie who can somewhat offset the huge salaries going to the veteran.
Here are five 2025 NFL Draft options the Browns should watch carefully this fall.
2025 NFL Draft QB Options for Cleveland Browns
Unless the Browns really bottom out, I'd be surprised if they land in the top 10 of the 2025 NFL Draft. Therefore, we'll avoid the three obvious names Quinn Ewers, Carson Beck, and Shedeur Sanders.
Noah Fifita, Arizona
If Kevin Stefanski wants a mobile, dynamic quarterback who is actually who Bryce Young was supposed to be coming out of Alabama, Noah Fifita can be that guy. Fifita is ballsy despite being 5-foot-10 and 190 pounds, boasting good arm strength and above-average ball placement. He hunts big plays but remains efficient in a translatable way.
Fifita has the mindset and play style Watson had while in Houston, so it's not a stretch to believe Stefanski could take a mulligan on his archetype.
Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
The most impressive quarterback I've seen of these options in the first two weeks of this season is Garrett Nussmeier. The LSU passer finally got the keys to the LSU kingdom as a junior and is crushing it. With a strong arm, plus velocity and mobility, Nussmeier has the profile of a franchise NFL quarterback.
Despite being 6-foot-2, Nussmeier weighs only 201 pounds, so bulking up will be necessary. Still, He sees the field effectively and has all the physical tools to build a great offense. He's the highest upside passer of the group for me, especially relating to the Browns.
Cam Ward, Miami
I think the most similar to Watson and physically gifted passer of the group is Cam Ward. Ward can make any throw on the field with touch and has solid arm strength despite being slender and built more like a receiver. He's a natural playmaker who can extend plays and create havoc on defenses.
The negative is that Ward has struggled to adjust his play against top competition. He has to play and process quicker than he currently does instead of looking to be outside of structure so often. If he can, Ward has great potential.
Miller Moss, USC
Another junior who waited his turn to start and is now crushing it is Miller Moss. The USC quarterback has been efficient and shows quick mastery of the offense. The Trojans run an RPO-heavy offense, so Stefanski can easily drop Moss into the current offense and see many similar concepts that work with his tools.
The difference will be learning how to turn his back to a defense, executing a play-action, and resetting his eyes and feet. This is an area most young quarterbacks have to grow in as they arrive in the NFL, so Moss' first year might be a little bumpier because he's also relatively inexperienced.
Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss
Jaxson Dart might be the best point guard for Stefanski's offense, considering mobility, quick processing, and experience. With three-plus seasons under his belt, Dart is rock solid. I don't love his arm strength or overall physical upside, but he is solid and reliable.
He reminds me of a more mobile Baker Mayfield. I know right now, Browns fans would certainly take that.
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