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Browns NFL free agency rumor: QB option unlikely for Cleveland

BEREA, OHIO - FEBRUARY 03: (L-R) Executive vice president, football operations & general manager Andrew Berry, Todd Monken and president Dave Jenkins of the Cleveland Browns pose for a photo after a press conference introducing Monken as the team's head coach at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on February 03, 2026 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cleveland Browns offseason could be a chaotic one with a load of players set to hit NFL free agency, multiple high picks in the 2026 NFL draft, and a new head coach and offensive system in place. As always, the focus for any NFL team is at the quarterback position until one is solidly in place. The Browns QB room is anything but solid at this point in the offseason, with QBs Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, and Dillon Gabriel in place.

Free agency has a few possibilities, including Tyler Huntley and Malik Willis. Huntley makes sense for Cleveland for a variety of reasons, while Willis is considered the top free agent and top quarterback available this offseason. With a few teams required to spend a ton of money on contracts for this season alone, prices in NFL free agency could go through the roof, especially at the most important position.

According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, that will not include Willis as a part of the Browns free agent haul:

Expect at least two and possibly several teams to be involved on Willis. “Miami is definitely in,” a source said. Arizona is combing the market, too, but it doesn’t seem likely that Willis will end up in Cleveland.

If GM Andrew Berry and Monken have one shot to get it right with a big addition at the quarterback position, it makes sense that they would be very choosy in that decision. Willis played well in his limited time in Green Bay but has only attempted a total of 155 passes in his four seasons in the NFL, with six touchdowns and three interceptions.

As noted in the ESPN piece, many believe Willis’ ability to run the ball could be a game-changer, but he’s also only had 74 rushing attempts in his career, and a quarterback’s value is primarily in their arm, with their rushing ability an added bonus.

Willis also has a chance to be picky in his process, with at least two teams likely to offer him over $20 million a year. After his struggles with the Tennessee Titans, Willis may not want to join another franchise mired in losing. Willis would have a higher level of comfort with the Dolphins (former Packers DC Jeff Hafley is now the head coach in Miami) and Cardinals (brother of Packers HC Matt LaFleur, Mike, is the new head coach there).


Are you surprised that the Browns are not a landing spot for Willis? Should the team offer him closer to $30 million to come to Cleveland or stick with their current options?

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