Cleveland Browns might avoid drafting a quarterback to sign a sleeper from NFC South, says Nick Wright

Myles Garrett ’s latest statement on Cleveland Browns quarterback limbo got Nick Wright thinking—why aren’t they a lock for either Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders ? Why do the mock drafts project that Kevin Stefanski and Andrew Berry are slowly leaning toward edge rusher Abdul Carter?

Wright figured out the answer. The host and analyst of FS1’s First Things First calculated the reason behind the Browns’ slow approach to finding their starting quarterback for the 2025 season.

According to Wright, the Browns should focus on taking Carter from the draft to give cover for Garrett. The 2023 Offensive Player of the Year towers over any offensive line he goes up against. Adding Carter will divert some of the attention toward him, which will allow Garrett to hunt the quarterback.

Garrett nearly left the Browns in the offseason but made a U-turn to sign a mammoth contract, becoming the highest-paid edge rusher ever. He later denied money as his motivation for staying in Cleveland. Wright speculated that the Pro Bowler knew the Browns were bringing in someone experienced to take over as the starting quarterback.

Nick Wright links NFC South quarterback with the Browns

The Browns are in a crunch. Stefanski used four different quarterbacks last year—Deshaun Watson, Jameis Winston, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and Bailey Zappe—who only managed three wins among them.

It was clear that Berry needed to find a quarterback ASAP. Initially, the Browns seemed locked on to selecting either Miami QB Cam Ward or Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders, but the situation changed. Now they are favorites to draft Abdul Carter at second unless another team convinces them to trade.

Wright claimed the reason the AFC North franchise is moving slowly is because they have a shortlist of quarterbacks. One name that Wright suggested might be on the list is Kirk Cousins.

Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons. The veteran impressed in his first few games, but by week 14, he was removed from the starting QB position. Rookie Michael Penix Jr. took over, and despite winning just one game, the eighth overall pick is locked as the starter for the NFC South team in 2026.

Cousins remains part of the Falcons and pocketed an additional $10 million roster bonus earlier this month, making his total earnings close to $100 million.

From Wright’s point of view, Cousins fits the Browns’ profile, and he is well acquainted with Stefanski.

It’s so obvious. They are the team that after the draft—they aren’t doing it right now because they want to see if the Giants maybe will trade up to get the quarterback… They are the team that’s gonna trade for Kirk Cousins. Kevin Stefanski—[Cousins] had his best year, 26 touchdowns and 6 picks and won a playoff game .

Nick Wright said

The Minnesota Vikings signed Cousins in 2018 following the end of his spell with the Washington Commanders. Stefanski was the quarterbacks coach and later became interim offensive coordinator and offensive coordinator. Under Stefanski’s tutelage, the former fourth-rounder won 10 games for the first time in his NFL career in 2019. He completed 69.1% of his passes and boasted a quarterback rating of 107.4.

Garrett recently said that teams play postseason football because of good quarterbacks.

Any team that’s going to go far needs a quarterback, and one that’s young, can learn, and is willing to be patient with the process. There’s going to be some bumps in the road. It’s going to be some learning pains.

Myles Garrett said

The Browns can afford to wait, unlike the Pittsburgh Steelers. There isn’t a big market for Cousins at the moment, and the 36-year-old will only accept an offer if it guarantees first-team football, as per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer .

Cousins rising to the forefront of Browns’ quarterback talks caught pace after he was spotted in Cleveland at a local Chipotle. The Pro Bowler even mentioned his favorite goto grub.