The Cleveland Browns appear to be narrowing down their options for a starting quarterback for the upcoming NFL season, and former Kansas City Chiefs backup Carson Wentz has emerged as a strong candidate.
According to a report from Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot on Wednesday, March 19, there is significant mutual interest between Wentz and the Browns. The 32-year-old quarterback is looking for a fresh start and the chance to prove he can still be a capable starter in the league
“The Browns and Wentz, 32, ‘definitely have mutual interest’ this season on him becoming their veteran bridge quarterback, a league source told Cleveland.com,” Cabot wrote. However, Cleveland’s potential pursuit of Wentz is dependent on another major decision—whether or not they sign veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, who recently visited the team as he weighs his own future.
Wentz is eager to land a starting role and sees Cleveland as a viable destination, but his willingness to sign is contingent upon Wilson choosing another team. If Wilson does not join the Browns, Wentz could step in as the team’s bridge quarterback, offering veteran leadership while Cleveland evaluates its long-term plans at the position.
Both Wentz and Wilson are currently in a waiting game as another major name in the quarterback market—Aaron Rodgers—continues to delay his free-agency decision. Rodgers’ situation has created a domino effect, impacting multiple teams’ quarterback plans. On Wednesday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported that the Minnesota Vikings had officially pulled out of the race to sign Rodgers, leaving the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants as the remaining teams in pursuit of the four-time NFL MVP.
Although both the Steelers and Giants have made offers, Rodgers appears to be in no rush to make a decision, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. With uncertainty surrounding Rodgers’ future, the quarterback market remains fluid, affecting the plans of multiple teams, including the Browns.
Meanwhile, Cabot’s report suggests that the New York Giants are currently the favorites to sign Russell Wilson. If Wilson does end up in New York, that would significantly increase the likelihood of Wentz joining Cleveland. The Browns have already made moves at the quarterback position this offseason, having recently traded with the Philadelphia Eagles for Kenny Pickett. Adding Wentz would give them additional experience and depth at the position as they prepare for the 2025 season.
Wentz, a former first-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2016, has had an up-and-down career. He played a pivotal role in the Eagles’ success during the 2017 season before suffering a season-ending injury, with backup Nick Foles leading the team to its first Super Bowl victory. Since then, Wentz has struggled to regain his early-career form, bouncing between teams such as the Indianapolis Colts, Washington Commanders, and most recently, the Kansas City Chiefs.
Financially, Wentz has earned nearly $133 million over his nine-year career, but his current market value has dropped significantly. According to Spotrac, he is projected to command only around $2 million on a one-year deal in free agency. Given this valuation, signing Wentz could be a low-risk, high-reward move for the Browns, especially if they are looking for a veteran quarterback who can compete for a starting job while also mentoring younger players.
Ultimately, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining where Wentz and Wilson land. Much depends on what Aaron Rodgers decides, as his move could set off a chain reaction across multiple teams. For now, the Browns remain in a position of interest, with Wentz potentially waiting in the wings as they continue to evaluate their options at quarterback.
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