Browns Eye Geno Smith as Potential Bridge Quarterback for 2025 Season

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns are entering the 2025 offseason with a glaring need at quarterback, and veteran Geno Smith has emerged as a potential target. With the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Browns are expected to select a quarterback, but they may also explore adding a seasoned player like Smith to bridge the gap.

Dan Labbe of Cleveland.com recently suggested that Smith, currently with the Seattle Seahawks, could be a viable option for the Browns. “If for some reason [Seattle] moves on from Geno, if they decide for some reason that cap number is too much to bear, I would be really interested in bringing him in as a bridge quarterback,” Labbe said during an appearance on 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland.

Smith, 34, played in all 17 games for the Seahawks during the 2024 season, completing 70.4% of his passes for 4,320 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. He also added 272 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground. While his turnover numbers are concerning, his experience and accuracy make him a potential short-term solution for Cleveland.

The Browns’ current quarterback situation is uncertain. Deshaun Watson, who suffered a torn Achilles late in the 2024 season, may miss the entire 2025 campaign. Watson has struggled since joining the Browns in a blockbuster trade with the Houston Texans in 2022, and his injury history raises further questions about his long-term viability.

Acquiring Smith would allow the Browns to draft a quarterback at No. 2 without rushing the rookie into action. Smith could start the 2025 season and serve as a placeholder until the rookie is ready to take over. This approach mirrors strategies used by other teams to develop young quarterbacks without exposing them to immediate pressure.

However, the Seahawks may not be eager to part with Smith. The quarterback is seeking a contract extension, and while his age and recent performance may limit his market value, Seattle could still demand a significant return in a trade. The Browns hold the No. 33 overall pick in the second round, which could be part of a potential deal.

If Smith were to join Cleveland, it would mark another chapter in his journeyman career. After spending years as a backup, Smith revitalized his career with the Seahawks, earning the starting job in 2022. His ability to perform under pressure and his familiarity with NFL defenses could make him a valuable asset for the Browns as they navigate a pivotal offseason.

As the NFL offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Cleveland to see how they address their quarterback dilemma. Whether through the draft, free agency, or a trade, the Browns’ decisions in the coming months will shape their trajectory for years to come.