Browns Expected to Eye Anthony Richardson, Malik Willis for Shedeur Sanders, QB Battle, Says Insider

The Cleveland Browns "are open to multiple options at quarterback" this offseason, according to The Athletic's Zac Jackson.

Jackson reported Monday that Cleveland will "at least explore a run" at signing Malik Willis or could "seriously consider" acquiring Anthony Richardson from the Indianapolis Colts.

For now, the Browns have at least three options available. Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel are back after combining to start 13 games as rookies. Deshaun Watson, meanwhile, is more than a full year removed from his second Achilles surgery.

First-year head coach Todd Monken is keeping an open mind when it comes to the QB room

"I mean, I don't why it wouldn't be an open competition," he told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine. "I don't mean that saying it harshly, but I don't think there's enough on film over the last couple years one way or the other to say, boy, we have our starter at quarterback yet. Whether internally or externally."

Willis and Richardson represent two very different approaches to identifying a starting solution.

Willis, who's one of the best signal-callers on the open market, could reportedly command $30 million or more this spring. He's pretty much assured of being QB1 wherever he signs, and a big contract could effectively lock him into the role for 2027 as well.

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Richardson, on the other hand, is basically a one-year flier.

Injuries have limited him to just 15 starts since he entered the league in 2023, and his performance has left a lot to be desired. He has thrown for 2,400 yards, 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions while completing 50.6 percent of his attempts.

Richardson, 23, still may have some upside but will get no assurances about his role if the Colts wind up trading him. He'll need to win over the coaching staff in training camp and the preseason.

From the Browns' perspective, bringing Richardson aboard wouldn't preclude them from pivoting to a different, better option in 2027.