On Tuesday, the Cleveland Browns saw another potential quarterback option slip away when Russell Wilson chose to sign with the New York Giants. Recently, the Browns acquired Kenny Pickett, who is now set to contend for a position on the depth chart.
While his exact role remains to be determined, the Browns cannot start the season with him as their main quarterback. In terms of trading for a quarterback, much of the focus has been on Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins due to his history with Kevin Stefanski.
However, an alternative option could be more beneficial for the Browns, involving a quarterback from the NFC as well. A proposed trade scenario suggests the Browns could acquire Malik Willis from the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a 2025 third-round draft pick, specifically the 94th overall.
Why the Cleveland Browns would pursue this trade: The Browns’ management and coaching staff do not seem overly concerned about their job security this offseason. While there may be some pressure, this group has brought more success to Northeast Ohio than any other in recent decades. With two third-round draft picks, using one on a quarterback who has shown significant progress is a logical move.
Willis participated in 11 games during the 2022 and 2023 seasons for the Titans but did not meet the expectations set when he was drafted in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft from Liberty. However, a change of scenery can sometimes work wonders for a player, which appeared to be the case for Willis. After being traded to the Packers, he demonstrated his potential to start for an NFL team.
“When the Green Bay Packers traded a seventh-round pick to the Tennessee Titans for Malik Willis just before final roster cuts last season, it was hard to predict his impact on the team’s 2024 season and the increased value he gained during that time. Willis started in Weeks 2 and 3 for the Packers after Jordan Love sustained a knee injury in Brazil during the first game of the regular season.
The backup also played significant minutes against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 8 and the Chicago Bears in Week 18. Matt LaFleur clearly offered some protection for him, as it would not have been wise to expect the same level of play as from Love. Nonetheless, Willis proved himself a capable quarterback. In the game against the Indianapolis Colts, the strategy was run-focused, and when Willis needed to pass, he was nearly flawless.
Against his former team, the Tennessee Titans, the offense appeared more conventional. He attempted 19 passes, completing 13 for 202 yards and a touchdown, while also leading the team with six rushes for 73 yards and a touchdown. Willis may never become a high-volume passer, yet his ability to improvise can make up for it in suitable conditions.” — Wendell Ferreira, A to Z Sports Green Bay
Stefanski, much like Green Bay’s LaFleur, has a reputation as a proficient quarterback coach. The Browns secured victories with four different starting quarterbacks in 2023, achieving an 11-win season. Cleveland adapted their game plan and playbook as necessary, which led them to the playoffs.
Willis, who will be 26 years old during the 2025 season, has played a total of 18 games (five starts) over the last three years. He still possesses a great deal of potential as a dual-threat quarterback. Trading for Cousins might require more than the 94th overall pick and would have a significantly greater impact on the salary cap.
If Willis does not succeed with the Browns, or if he performs well but chooses to sign elsewhere in 2026, the Browns could potentially receive a compensatory draft pick from the NFL, depending on his next contract and the number of free agents the Browns sign in the following offseason.
