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Join Telegram ChannelNFL Network insider Ian Rapoport profiled two veterans who could compete for the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback job in 2025.
The Browns and Deshaun Watson restructured the quarterback's contract Friday to create cap flexibility for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, according to multiple reports. It also ensured that Watson, who signed a five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract in 2022, would be back in Cleveland next season.
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FILE – Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) in action during the NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 13, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola, file)
But whether he enters Week 1 as QB1 is still up in the air. Rapoport said Sunday there could be a competition.
“I wouldn't be surprised if it was a veteran competition. Aaron Rodgers, if he's not on the Jets, would be a potential option, and Kirk Cousins another,” Rapoport said.
Rapoport added that Rodgers' future with the New York Jets could depend on whether Garrett Wilson is traded. He said Wilson might want to leave the Jets if Rodgers is brought back for the 2025 season.
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New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers speaks during a press conference following an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday, December 22 2024. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Rodgers' short stint with the Jets was nothing but tumultuous. He has 3,511 passing yards and 24 touchdowns this year.
Cousins' time with the Atlanta Falcons also seemed to be over. The team replaced Cousins with Michael Penix Jr. after a close victory against the Las Vegas Raiders. Cousins had a streak of zero touchdown passes and eight interceptions through four games.
Cleveland will have a few options at quarterback. They might choose to go the rookie quarterback route, as they will likely have a high draft pick in 2025.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison, right, and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins exchange jerseys after an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
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Heading into Week 17, the Browns are currently fourth in the draft order.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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