Story by
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski calls it a collaborative effort to solve QB dilemma
- Story by
- Browns coach Kevin Stefanski calls it a collaborative effort to solve QB dilemma
INDIANAPOLIS — Browns coach Kevin Stefanski has talked often about a level of separation between his role and the role of the front office. Ask him a personnel question, and he'll likely direct you to general manager Andrew Berry or someone else in that department.
The Browns ' need for a quarterback may force a change in that tune. Considering Stefanski's offensive background, and past work as a quarterbacks coach during his Minnesota Vikings days, it makes him a resource to be involved in the process.
Advertisement
Just how much of a resource will Stefanski be during this process?
"I wouldn't say expansive," Stefanski said at the NFL scouting combine Wednesday. "I think you try to be involved in all these decisions and help where I can help, but not any different than before."
This week is a major one for finding a quarterback. The ones participating in the combine arrived Tuesday and are working their way through a variety of team interviews, including with the Browns .
Much has been made of this year's quarterback draft class being underwhelming in the eyes of many scouts. There are two quarterbacks — Miami 's Cam Ward and Colorado's Shedeur Sanders — who have been deemed the top of the class and the ones who are most expected to be taken in the first round.
Advertisement
The question is if either one can be a true franchise quarterback, which is what the Browns need to compete with the AFC's best. Stefanski wouldn't go so far as to say that's what the decision ultimately comes down to when picking a quarterback at No. 2.
"Not in those words," Stefanski said. "Obviously, if you're taking a guy there, you believe in him to be a guy that can be your franchise quarterback, quote-unquote. But, you know, we're just looking for a good player that fits us."
There's also a market developing for veteran quarterback that will get moving next week. That market has free-agent quarterbacks like Sam Darold, Russell Wilson , Justin Fields and Daniel Jones , potential trade candidates like Matthew Stafford or Kirk Cousins , and wild cards like Aaron Rodgers .
Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski looks on during a game against the Miami Dolphins on Dec. 29, 2024, in Cleveland.
That market will play itself out well before the Browns get on the clock with the No. 2 pick in the draft. It certainly figures to have some impact on the process moving forward.
Advertisement
"I think we're obviously looking in a bunch of different areas there," Stefanski said. "There's some really exciting young players in this draft that you're looking at. There's obviously work to be done in free agency and all those type of things, but I think we're looking in all avenues, if you will."
The day before, Berry was asked about the way the team was going to go after an answer at quarterback. The word he used to describe the approach was "aggressive."
Deshaun Watson , who's started only 19 games in three seasons since being acquired from the Houston Texans in 2022, is in jeopardy of missing a large part of next season after re-tearing the same Achilles he had surgically repaired last season. Stefanski said Watson was primarily rehabbing outside of Cleveland , but that he's "taking it day to day like all of us do in life."
Other than Watson, the only other quarterback on the Browns roster is third-year pro Dorian Thompson-Robinson , who started five games over his first two seasons.
Advertisement
That's why Berry was adamant the Browns would be willing to move heaven and earth to find one this offseason. This week, that includes figuring out if that answer lies in the draft.
"I just think you're trying to figure out is there a fit for your football team," Stefanski said. "That's why, like we talked about just now, this is a process. It's one thing to watch the tape. And then you've got to get to know them. You've got to make phone calls on them, then you've got to get to their pro day.
"There's so much that goes into this evaluation, and we're in the middle of it. We're not there yet."
Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Kevin Stefanski: Collaborative effort to solve Browns QB dilemma
