The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation has unfolded in a way almost no one saw coming. But it is far from the most unexpected development in the NFL this season.
For example, the Los Angeles Chargers have yet to win a game, as Justin Herbert has regressed at an incredible rate. In addition, Jalen Hurts has been sidelined for the season by multiple blood clots in his lungs, in the aftermath of the controversial treatment he received with the Philadelphia Eagles.
With that in mind, insider Tony Grossi was asked if there was any chance that the Browns would pursue a veteran and bypass using one of their top draft picks on a QB, and he shut down that idea with two words.
“Zero chance,” Grossi posted.
Zero chance. https://t.co/4hMCVRHK5d
— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) October 23, 2026
There have been rumors that Hurts was already on his way out with the Eagles even before this serious setback. Grossi is right that the Browns would not want to head down that risky path, especially after dealing with the absence of Deshaun Watson for most of the previous four seasons.
As for Herbert, the Chargers have shown no indication that they plan to move on from him, and it is unlikely he would be willing to leave Los Angeles for Cleveland. Beyond them, Kyler Murray has done little to distinguish himself with the Minnesota Vikings even though they are undefeated, and Daniel Jones seems to have declined significantly coming back from an Achilles injury for the Indianapolis Colts.
But it can be argued that if the Browns do not re-sign Watson, they would need some kind of veteran QB to at least serve as a placeholder for whichever prospect they might land in the 2027 NFL Draft. It is unlikely to be Shedeur Sanders, who has played just one snap this season and may never get an opportunity to prove himself as long as Watson keeps the Browns in playoff contention.
Cleveland’s rebuilding plan has started to show signs of paying off, so a drastic move for someone like Hurts is more likely to be a setback than an improvement on those efforts.
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