The Cleveland Browns are making waves in the NFL offseason with their quarterback shuffle, and things are getting more interesting by the day. Earlier this month, the Browns pulled off a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, acquiring backup quarterback Kenny Pickett. But they might not be done yet. Reports indicate that Cleveland is eyeing another big move, potentially bringing in former Eagles star and No. 2 overall pick Carson Wentz to take on the role of a veteran bridge quarterback.
According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, there’s mutual interest between Wentz and the Browns. The team is reportedly considering him as a short-term starter as they transition away from Deshaun Watson. A league source confirmed to Cleveland.com that Wentz, now 32, and the Browns “definitely have mutual interest” in making this happen. However, the deal seems to be hinging on another big name—Russell Wilson. The veteran quarterback, who recently visited Cleveland, is also weighing his options.
Wilson, 36, isn’t just looking at the Browns. He’s also considering offers from the New York Giants and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Meanwhile, both the Giants and Steelers are waiting to see what former Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers decides, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. If Rodgers and Wilson end up signing elsewhere, the door could swing wide open for Wentz to take charge in Cleveland.
What makes this scenario even more intriguing is Cleveland’s recent trade move. The team just acquired Kenny Pickett from the Eagles, sending Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a fifth-round pick in this year’s draft to Philadelphia in exchange. Pickett, who holds a respectable 15-10 record as a starter (including 14-10 during his time with the Steelers), has been assured that he’ll have a legitimate shot at competing for the starting job. But if Wentz joins the roster, the dynamics in the quarterback room could shift dramatically.
Wentz’s potential arrival in Cleveland marks another chapter in what has been an unpredictable career trajectory. Once heralded as a future superstar, Wentz was drafted No. 2 overall by the Eagles in 2016. He looked like a legitimate MVP candidate in the 2017 season, leading the Eagles to an impressive record before a torn ACL in Week 14 ended his season prematurely. That injury set off a chain of events that saw backup quarterback Nick Foles step in, lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots, and eventually take over as the city’s hero. By 2020, Wentz was out of Philadelphia and has since bounced around the league, playing for the Colts, Commanders, and most recently, the Chiefs.
Last season, Wentz signed a one-year, $3.325 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, backing up Patrick Mahomes in hopes of earning another Super Bowl ring. While he didn’t see much playing time, the experience added another layer to his football journey. Now, at 32, he’s looking for a team that can offer him more than just a backup role—he wants a shot at leading a franchise again.
If Wentz lands in Cleveland, he would be stepping into his sixth team in as many years—a stunning fall from grace for a quarterback who was once expected to rack up MVPs and All-Pro honors. However, with the Browns looking to develop a young quarterback, potentially Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders with their No. 2 overall pick in April’s NFL Draft, Wentz could be a perfect bridge option.
The Browns’ quarterback strategy remains somewhat unclear, and fans are left wondering how all the pieces will fit together. On one hand, they’ve acquired Pickett and promised him a fair shot at the starting role. On the other, they’re actively pursuing Wentz as a bridge quarterback while keeping an eye on Wilson’s decision. It raises an important question: what exactly is Cleveland’s endgame at the quarterback position?
If Wentz does end up signing, it could be a smart move for both sides. For the Browns, he brings veteran experience and can hold things down while the team grooms a younger QB for the future. For Wentz, it’s another opportunity to prove he still has what it takes to lead an NFL team. Either way, Browns fans are in for an offseason full of twists, turns, and plenty of quarterback drama.
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