The Browns are expected to select a top Vikings quarterback prospect to replace Deshaun Watson.

The Cleveland Browns are at a crossroads in their franchise’s history. After years of searching for stability at the quarterback position, they made a high-profile move by acquiring Deshaun Watson, hoping that he could be the answer to their quarterback woes. However, Watson’s tenure with the Browns has been filled with uncertainty, underperformance, and off-the-field issues that have left the organization searching for its next move. As the team heads into the 2025 NFL Draft, rumors are swirling that the Browns may look to select a top quarterback prospect from the Minnesota Vikings to replace Watson and finally give the franchise the stability it has long desired.

This article explores the possibility of the Browns selecting a quarterback from the Vikings’ roster, the reasons behind this potential move, the quarterbacks involved, and how such a transition could reshape the future of the Browns’ franchise.

The Deshaun Watson Situation

Deshaun Watson’s arrival in Cleveland was met with high expectations. The Browns traded significant assets to acquire him from the Houston Texans, believing that Watson’s elite arm strength, mobility, and playmaking ability would elevate the team to Super Bowl contention. However, his time with the Browns has been far from smooth.

Watson struggled with consistency in his first full season with the Browns. Injuries and inconsistency plagued his performance on the field, and he failed to deliver the type of production that justified the hefty contract the Browns gave him. To make matters worse, Watson’s off-the-field issues—particularly the ongoing legal battles stemming from allegations of sexual misconduct—have cast a shadow over his tenure in Cleveland.

Given the volatility of Watson’s situation, the Browns are likely reconsidering their commitment to him as the long-term answer at quarterback. In 2025, with their playoff aspirations on the line and the uncertainty surrounding Watson’s future, the Browns may look to the NFL Draft to secure a new quarterback who can lead the team for the next decade.

The Vikings’ Quarterback Situation

On the other side of this equation are the Minnesota Vikings, a team that has struggled with finding consistent quarterback play, despite having one of the NFL’s best receivers in Justin Jefferson. Kirk Cousins, the Vikings’ longtime starting quarterback, is a veteran who has had moments of brilliance, but he has failed to take the team deep into the playoffs during his tenure in Minnesota. With his contract expiring soon and the team’s postseason success still limited, there is a growing sense that the Vikings are ready to move on from Cousins and potentially draft a new quarterback.

Cousins’ time with the Vikings has been filled with impressive individual statistics but limited postseason success. The Vikings have never advanced past the NFC Championship Game during his tenure, and the team’s inconsistent performance has led to speculation that a change is needed. If the Vikings do indeed move on from Cousins, they could be in the market for a quarterback in the 2025 draft or beyond.

One intriguing aspect of the Vikings’ quarterback situation is the potential development of backup quarterbacks. Over the years, Minnesota has accumulated a number of young quarterbacks who could potentially serve as the answer to the team’s quarterback woes. It’s possible that one of these quarterbacks could be the key to replacing Cousins in the coming seasons, but it also presents an opportunity for other teams—like the Cleveland Browns—to target one of these prospects as a potential trade or draft target.

The Potential Trade: Cleveland Targets a Vikings Quarterback

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Browns may be looking to make a bold move by selecting a quarterback from the Vikings. A trade or draft selection involving a quarterback prospect could signal a new era for the Cleveland franchise and potentially bring stability at the most important position on the field.

There are a few key reasons why this move could make sense for both teams:

1. The Browns’ Need for a Quarterback of the Future

While Watson was once viewed as a potential franchise quarterback, his performance and off-field troubles have put his future with the Browns in jeopardy. Cleveland has already committed significant resources to the quarterback position, but if Watson’s play continues to falter or if his legal battles persist, the Browns may be forced to look elsewhere for their next quarterback.

By selecting a top quarterback prospect from the Vikings, the Browns could secure a younger, more reliable signal-caller who could become the face of the franchise. This would allow the team to move on from Watson without completely derailing their future. With their roster still in a relatively strong position with playmakers on offense and defense, finding a quarterback to stabilize the position would go a long way in helping the Browns take the next step.

2. The Vikings’ Desire to Move On from Kirk Cousins

For the Vikings, the time may have come to part ways with Kirk Cousins. Despite his solid numbers, Cousins has been unable to push the Vikings to the next level in the postseason, and with the team in the midst of a rebuild, it may make sense to start fresh at the quarterback position. The Vikings could look to acquire more draft capital and shift toward a new direction by selecting a quarterback in the 2025 draft or by targeting one of the Browns’ existing picks.

If the Vikings decide that the time has come to part ways with Cousins, the Browns could be in a prime position to offer them a trade package that includes the 2026 first-round pick or other valuable assets. This trade would allow the Vikings to get younger at the quarterback position and invest in a long-term solution while giving the Browns an opportunity to secure a quarterback who could lead them for years to come.

3. Vikings’ Backup Quarterbacks: A Potential Gem for the Browns

In addition to the high-profile quarterbacks on the market, the Vikings have several young backup quarterbacks on their roster who could serve as the next great signal-caller for another team. The likes of Kellen Mond or rookie prospects could be options for the Browns if they’re looking for a more affordable quarterback or a player who has been under the radar but has the potential to develop into a starter.

The Browns could trade for one of these players, giving them a quarterback who may already have experience in the Vikings’ system and the tools to grow into a future star. This would allow Cleveland to move forward with a fresh start without the financial burden of a more expensive quarterback like Watson.

Key Quarterback Prospects from the Vikings

Let’s look at some of the quarterbacks from the Vikings’ roster and whether they could be an option for the Browns:

Kirk Cousins (Veteran Quarterback)

As mentioned earlier, Kirk Cousins is the established veteran on the Vikings’ roster. He has been a consistent performer, but his inability to take the team to the next level in the playoffs has led many to question his future with the team. While the Browns may not be interested in acquiring Cousins at this point in his career, there is a possibility that he could be part of a trade package if the Vikings decide to move on from him. A fresh start in Cleveland might help Cousins perform at a higher level, but it seems unlikely that the Browns would make this move given their need for long-term stability.

Kellen Mond (Backup Quarterback)

Kellen Mond is a name that has been mentioned as a potential quarterback for the future in Minnesota. The former Texas A&M star has shown flashes of potential but has been relegated to a backup role behind Cousins. Mond’s development has been inconsistent, but the Browns could look at him as a low-risk, high-reward option. With the right coaching and system, Mond could develop into a capable starter and give the Browns a potential solution at quarterback without having to give up a significant amount of draft capital.

Rookie Quarterback (2025 NFL Draft)

It’s also worth considering that the Vikings may look to select a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft, and if they do, they may decide to move on from Cousins and go in a new direction with a rookie. If the Vikings are not convinced by their backup quarterbacks, they could target a top-tier prospect like Caleb Williams or Drake Maye in the 2025 draft, who could become a star in Minnesota.

For the Browns, this means that the Vikings’ draft decisions could open up an opportunity for them to acquire a quarterback that they feel fits their system. Whether the Vikings draft a quarterback or stick with a veteran, the Browns could explore trade options to secure their future at the position.