As the Cleveland Browns and general manager Andrew Berry continue to navigate the busy 2026 NFL free agency period, the struggling franchise has done a great job of adding key playmakers to the roster this offseason.
The Browns began signing guard Zion Johnson on Monday and later signed another veteran guard, Elgton Jenkins. With the additions of Johnson and Jenkins, the trade of right tackle Titus Howard, and Cleveland’s possession of the No. 6 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Berry completely revamped the offensive line for the 2026 season.
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However, the Browns’ quarterback space remains a huge question mark heading into next year, with veteran Deshaun Watson and 2025 fifth-round pick Shaddell Sanders likely to be the top two players at the starting job.
Still, there’s plenty of time for Berry and the entire front office to add another quarterback to the roster, and luckily for Cleveland, former 2023 first-round pick Anthony Richardson could be a name to watch following reports the Indianapolis Colts signed Daniel Jones to a two-year contract on Wednesday.
Why the Browns should consider Richardson
Although Richardson is one of the most polarizing players in the NFL, he has caught the attention of many NFL front offices this offseason due to the Colts’ current quarterback room.
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As a rookie, the former Florida Gators standout flashed his potential in four games during the 2023 season, passing for 577 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 136 yards and four touchdowns. Unfortunately for Richardson, he won’t be able to take the next step in his development as he won’t be able to establish himself in 2024.
In 11 games with the Colts in his second season, Richardson passed for 1,814 yards, eight touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, opening the door for Jones to become the starter in 2025. Now that Richardson will be Jones’ backup next season, it’s time for the Browns to make a move.
The 23-year-old quarterback may not have an impressive resume in the NFL, but his rare athleticism makes him an interesting dart for new head coach Todd Monken. The former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator has experience coaching dual-threat quarterbacks in Lamar Jackson, and for a Day 3 pick, Richardson is the perfect quarterback to gamble on this offseason.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns must consider trading former first-round quarterback this offseason
