5 quarterbacks the Cleveland Browns should have chosen over Deshaun Watson

#3 – Jimmy Garoppolo

NFC Wild Card Playoffs - San Francisco 49ers v Dallas Cowboys

Jimmy Garoppolo is not necessarily an explosive and dynamic option at quarterback. His years in San Francisco have highlighted the effective ceiling he is working under.

The San Francsico 49ers have been at their best when focusing on the running game, which often takes responsibility out of Garoppolo’s hands and that’s also when he is at his most effective. He is a dependable passer and a composed leader and works well when he isn't the focus.

Of course, this isn’t a great argument for him to be the Browns’ starting quarterback in 2022, but he could have helped for a year. Garoppolo would at least have been able to support other talent on the Browns roster.

Would giving Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt the keys to offense really be so bad? They were seen as a team with a powerful running game in previous years and the duo have proven to be very effective.

The 49ers went to a Super Bowl and an NFC Championship game with Garoppolo working behind a brilliant running game. He could potentially have done the same in Ohio.

#4 – Aaron Rodgers

Green Bay Packers v San Francisco 49ers

Aaron Rodgers was unhappy with the Green Bay Packers. His desire to leave was at its most fierce at the start of the 2022 offseason, yet the Browns didn’t make a play.

Even before the trade of Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders, he's seen his front-office neglect his offensive weapons in the draft for many years. His patience has run thin over the past two seasons and there really was a chance the Browns could have structured a deal earlier in the offseason.

If you look at what Cleveland gave up to get Watson, wouldn't the same package have been tempting for the Packers? It becomes even more plausible when you factor in that the Packers drafted Rodgers’ replacement in Jordan Love. Love already has two years of learning under the defending league MVP.

Everything about the Browns wanting to replace Mayfield was based around trying to win with a strong roster. They are built to win now and all they needed was a superstar quarterback. What better ingredient to take them over the line than a player who has been crying out for such a roster in recent times?

Cleveland could have made a serious play for Rodgers, it could have happened. Instead, the quarterback signed a three-year deal with Green Bay and now seems intent to retire a Packer.

#5 – Russell Wilson

Seattle Seahawks v Los Angeles Rams

Russell Wilson changed teams this offseason. Whilst the Green Bay Packers eventually tempted Rodgers with a lucrative extension, the Seattle Seahawks sent their Super Bowl winning quarterback to the Denver Broncos. Wilson wanted to play for a team that could win right now and it was clear the Seahawks were in the process of rebuilding.

There isn’t any discerning evidence that he was desperate for the Broncos to be his destination, so it's strange that the Browns didn’t pursue Wilson. Age isn’t on his side like it is with Deshaun Watson, but Wilson is one of the most respected figures in the NFL.

He has consistently been excellent on a team that has been declining for years, and the Browns arguably have a better roster than the Broncos. Wilson would have instantly turned them into playoff contenders, perhaps even Super Bowl outsiders. But for whatever reason, Watson was the name decided upon for a long time in Cleveland.

What better leader for a talented roster than a quarterback who makes a difference on the field, is hugely respected and who has won the Super Bowl? If there is one thing the Browns need, it is more players with the right mentality.

This was a missed opportunity and with Watson’s suspension looming, Cleveland's 2022 season is in danger.