The Cleveland Browns have been one of the NFL’s more unpredictable teams in recent years, but that doesn’t mean they’re without a path forward. With a mix of veteran presence, draft capital, and a reshaped wide receiver room, the Browns could be just a few smart moves away from finding real stability — especially at quarterback.
One NFL analyst thinks Cleveland’s next move should be all about support: For Joe Flacco in the short term and a developmental QB in the long term. And to make that transition smoother, he believes the Browns should target a proven wide receiver who can serve as a “security blanket” for whoever’s under center this fall — be it Flacco, Kenny Pickett, or a top rookie like Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders.
NFL Analyst Suggests Browns Sign Veteran WR Tyler Lockett
In a recent column highlighting the best remaining free agent fits for every NFL team, Pro Football Sports Network analyst Mark Stolte made a compelling case for the Browns to go after All-Pro wide receiver Tyler Lockett. The longtime Seahawk is still on the market after spending a decade in Seattle, and Stolte believes his leadership and versatility could be what Cleveland needs.
“Signing Tyler Lockett to the team would add a very nice security blanket to Flacco and the young guy to help get them to speed,” Stolte wrote. “Lockett would play opposite of Jerry Jeudy and also has some slot experience as well.”
The Browns added Jeudy in the 2024 offseason to boost their receiver corps, but they’re still light on proven, high-IQ pass catchers who can help develop a young quarterback. That’s where Lockett, 32, could come in.
Lockett was named first-team All-Pro in his rookie Seahawks season and earned consecutive second-team nods in the seasons that followed. He put up four straight 1,000-yard seasons for a total of 8,594 yards and 61 touchdowns. He’s built a career on precise route running, clutch catches, and a knack for getting open — all traits that could ease the transition for a rookie or a journeyman like Flacco.
Stolte also touched on the bigger picture for Cleveland’s rebuild. “The Cleveland Browns are not as far away from contending as you would believe from a team with no discernible future and lots of mistakes made in the past few years,” he said, adding that Flacco remains a “serviceable backup” while the Browns figure out their long-term quarterback solution.
Rather than reach for a signal-caller early in the draft, Stolte sees a more strategic approach: Target top defensive prospects like Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter with their highest pick, then circle back on quarterbacks such as Jalen Milroe, Jaxon Dart, or Tyler Shough later. That plan would give the Browns more flexibility, and having a steady veteran like Lockett could help accelerate a young QB’s learning curve.
With $19.4 million in cap space still available (20th in the league) and the receiver corps very thin behind Jeudy and tight end David Njoku, a move for Lockett is necessary. Whether it’s Flacco running the offense in Week 1 or a rookie waiting in the wings, adding a reliable target like Lockett could be a win-now and long-term play for a team still searching for consistency under center.