NFL Rumors: Carson Wentz, Browns Have 'Mutual Interest' amid Russell Wilson Buzz

While the Cleveland Browns wait on Russell Wilson to decide where he wants to play in 2025, they are looking at potential alternatives at quarterback.

Per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the Browns and Carson Wentz have "mutual interest" in a deal that could make him their bridge quarterback if Wilson signs with another team.

Wilson met with Browns officials in Cleveland on March 13, but the visit ended without a deal.

The New York Giants also hosted Wilson on a visit last week. His fate in free agency has been tied to whatever decision Aaron Rodgers makes because the Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers are waiting on an answer from the four-time NFL MVP.

Pittsburgh, in particular, seems like it would be the preferred landing spot for Wilson. He knows the organization after spending last season with it. The Steelers offense with George Pickens and recently acquired D.K. Metcalf seems tailor-made for Wilson's style of play.

Metcalf is also familiar with Wilson from their three seasons together with the Seattle Seahawks from 2019 to '21.

One potential issue for the Browns in their pursuit of Wilson is cost. They have just over $10 million in cap space, but their effective cap space is just $1.7 million because they also have to sign their draft picks.

The Browns could include void years on a potential deal to spread out Wilson's money, but that doesn't seem like a prudent approach for a team that already has three void years on Deshaun Watson's contract from 2027 to '29 with the first of those years counting $53.8 million against their cap.

Wentz wouldn't necessarily be an inspiring alternative, but he would likely fit into the Browns' price range without disrupting their long-term cap. He made just $1.2 million in base salary with the Kansas City Chiefs last season.

There's also the possibility that the Browns decide to use the No. 2 pick in the 2025 draft on a quarterback. This would allow head coach Kevin Stefanski to potentially enter the season with Wentz as his starter while preparing a rookie, though they could also decide to start a first-year quarterback if this scenario plays out.

Wentz appeared in three games for the Chiefs in 2024. He went 12-of-19 for 118 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions.

His last extended stint as a starting quarterback was during the 2022 season with the Washington Commanders. He threw for 1,755 yards, 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions in eight games (seven starts).