It is about options.
Berry and Monken have stated they intend to look around.
Gino Smith is likely to be released. The Raiders are drafting Mendosa. They don't want to pay his $8m guaranteed money.
Cousins has also been told he will be released by the Falcons.
DW is now over 30. He has a twice torn Achilles. Once re-torn and with age it is way more likely to happen again.
Gabriel does not appear to be in consideration as the starter.
I cannot believe just based upon last years results with a four quarterback competition that the Browns are going to go into this year with only what they have.
I have no idea where this all ends. Monken at least adds a different POV.
They have to decide on a plan and a plan B.
I agree, Irish. The people who want us to start marginal QBs and push for some miracle to turn a leftover on the roster into a starter and consistent winner astound me. Often they evidence a wait and see posture so we can see what we have. Often followed by opinions that we have enough if we just give them a chance to provide more of the same. I am not that curious. I am over the QB project we have embraced much too often. We need to draft one. The two we have each have drawbacks; I don't see either our starter. I will be patient while our new head coach builds a QB room that suits him. We need a fix here. Good luck at the combine.
I agree with both of you. The future QB isn't currently on the team.
The problem lies with options, there just aren't any viable ones for 2026.
I see Monken trying to get what he can out of a combination of Watson and Sanders in 2026. We might add a Gino Smith if he just wants to prolong his career and comes cheap, but my guess is he will hold out until a team desperate enough calls him about a viable starting role. I don't see him being in a huge hurry. I think we have seen what Cousins is post injury. He is another one that the market will probably be pretty dry on, with good reason. Again, if he comes cheap as a stop gap, I wouldn't balk at the insurance.
If none of that happens, I am fine with Gabriel being the 3rd QB. He isn't in the starter mix, I'm fairly certain of that.
I think Monken came in saying he will get what he can out of the two others and evaluate at the end of 2026 season.
I truly believe HIS next actual planned starter is in the 2027 draft.
Doesn't mean we have to lie down and lose 17 games.
