As the NFL’s offseason continues, the Cleveland Browns are in the minority, still hunting for a new lead quarterback. They have the option to acquire Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft with their second pick, but their recent actions have suggested otherwise. Russell Wilson, a well-known free agent, has clearly piqued their interest. They even scheduled a meeting with Wilson, strongly indicating that they are seriously considering adding him to their ranks.
If Wilson becoming the Browns’ new leader is their primary objective, they’ve heard encouraging news as of late Friday night. A key player in the race for Wilson so far has been the New York Giants. But they might just have distanced themselves from the pursuit. On Friday night, it has been reported that the Giants have consented to a contract worth $8 million over two years with the free-agent quarterback, Jameis Winston.
This development questions the likelihood of the Giants doubling down on experienced quarterbacks heading towards the twilight of their careers. By agreeing to terms with Winston, Cleveland’s ex-2024 quarterback, New York has potentially cleared the path for Wilson to join the Browns’ ranks. The pertinent question that now arises is, how much capital is Cleveland willing to put forth to secure Wilson’s services?
A Browns’ analyst recently shed some light on the type of contract Wilson is reportedly searching for. ‘The $20 to $30 million price range that Russell Wilson is putting forth might feel a little steep to the Browns,’ the analyst said. Such a significant contract can be perceived as demanding, especially given that Wilson will be 37 in the upcoming season.
Details about how many seasons Wilson is willing to commit to any new contract have not been publicized yet. A one-season agreement could potentially suit a team like the Browns that might be hesitant to tie up a sizable chunk of their salary cap for an extended period on a quarterback entering the later stages of his career.
In his last season, with the Pittsburgh Steelers, a team in the Browns’ AFC North division, Wilson achieved a completion rate of 63.7% on his pass attempts and threw for 2,482 yards. He also had 16 touchdown passes, suffered five interceptions, and managed to accumulate an additional 155 yards on the ground, resulting in two more touchdowns.
Despite his age, Wilson is still able to compete at the highest level. The essential question that the Browns now face is: would they be better served by signing a seasoned quarterback like Wilson or selecting a top prospect in the upcoming draft? Andrew Berry and the rest of the Browns’ decision-making team will have to determine the answer to this all-important question.
More rumors surrounding Wilson and his possible move to Cleveland are bound to circulate. This potential union is certainly enticing, but the deal may go south due to the potential cost implications. The Draft and Wilson’s demands have Cleveland in a critical position, which is likely to generate more speculation as the offseason continues.