Biggest Remaining NFL Offseason Questions for the Browns, Falcons, Saints and More | Deadspin.com

In the aftermath of one of the crucial extra tantalizing NFL drafts in fresh reminiscence, a slew of groups face lingering questions with 4 months ultimate within the offseason.

Do the Cleveland Browns have their franchise quarterback(s)? What do the Atlanta Falcons do with the highest-paid backup within the league? Are the New Orleans Saints already considering forward to 2026? And … hi, Steelers?

These are some of the wonderings that groups and fan bases can have to take a seat with till the grueling football-less summer season involves an in depth.

Cleveland Browns Quarterbacks

We all know the Shedeur Sanders buzz all through the draft will ultimately subside. From the epic slide down the draft board to the ill-conceived prank name from a rival defensive coordinator’s child, the Colorado quarterback skilled a whirlwind of feelings and a nosedive no longer many noticed coming.

He feels like a Cleveland Brown already.

It’s most probably General Manager Andrew Berry is combating for his task, even with a brand new contract signed final summer season. The horribly failed Deshaun Watson experiment may be his to possess.

But now Berry and corporate must decide. In the crowded Cleveland quarterback room, who takes the season-opening snap?

Watson suffered a ruptured proper Achilles in October and a next setback within the restoration procedure in January. He’s more likely to pass over all the 2025 season. Behind him: 40-year-old Joe Flacco, journeyman Kenny Pickett, Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, whom the staff drafted within the 3rd spherical—two rounds forward of Sanders.

For a franchise that has traditionally mismanaged quarterbacks, it wouldn’t be an offseason with out query marks below middle. Despite using two draft choices to lend a hand flip across the staff, FanDuel Sportsbook has Flacco as the favourite to begin the yr (+116), adopted through Pickett (+220), Sanders (+370) and Gabriel (+830). To the wonder of no person, the Browns are the runaway favourite to complete final once more within the AFC North (-200).

Kirk Cousins Trade

A reputation related to the Browns within the pre-draft cycle used to be that of veteran Kirk Cousins, the 36-year-old backup quarterback scheduled to assemble a base wage of $27.5 million in 2025. Just months into his Atlanta Falcons profession, Cousins used to be benched in want of rookie Michael Penix Jr. Given Cleveland’s selection of doable starters, it is not going Cousins will waive his no-trade clause to enroll in that educate damage.

Cousins, who threw for 18 touchdowns and a league-leading 16 interceptions final season, has expressed his want not to handiest proceed taking part in however be a starter.

Atlanta, which is “comfortable with keeping Cousins on the roster as Penix’s backup,” bypassed the March 17 time limit to unencumber Cousins and steer clear of the $10 million bonus he used to be entitled to. The Falcons additionally stored him during the NFL Draft. After Cleveland made it recognized it wasn’t fascinated about Cousins’ products and services, the Pittsburgh Steelers—who’ve been closely related to Aaron Rodgers—seem to be Cousins’ final hope to begin ahead of 2025. If Pittsburgh passes, he’ll most probably stay a Falcon barring any last-second trades.

New Orleans Saints Quarterback Situation

Since Drew Brees, the most productive participant to ever don the black and gold in New Orleans, retired on the finish of the 2020 season, the Saints have began Jameis Winston, Taysom Hill, Trevor Siemian, Ian Book, Andy Dalton, Derek Carr, Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener. Winston will get additional credit score for beginning for each the Browns and Saints.

Carr, who’s coping with a shoulder damage and isn’t anticipated to be at the roster after 2025, can have a alternative in 2026. It’s honest to mention the franchise wasn’t considering of that alternative on this yr’s draft.

With the 40th pick out, New Orleans decided on Tyler Shough, a 25-year-old, six-year faculty participant, as its possible starter this season. That has the Saints a few of the favorites to pass over the playoffs and contend for the highest general pick out subsequent yr. For a staff in determined want of its subsequent savior below middle, 2026 is shaping as much as have favorable choices. They may come with Arch Manning, Garrett Nussmeier, Drew Allar, LaNorris Sellers and Cade Klubnik.