The Cleveland Browns are expected to add a veteran quarterback this offseason. One longtime insider believes he knows which name makes the most sense financially and competitively.
Terry Pluto Identifies Mac Jones As the Preferred Target Over Malik Willis
In a recent column for Cleveland.com, Terry Pluto reported that the Browns want to bring in a veteran quarterback. One name circulating is free agent Malik Willis.
However, Pluto pointed to the financial reality. ESPN’s Ben Solak estimates Willis could command roughly $26 million per year. With Deshaun Watson already carrying one of the league’s heaviest cap burdens, Pluto wrote it is difficult to envision Cleveland committing that level of money to another quarterback.
Instead, Pluto called Mac Jones his “favorite.”
Jones, currently the backup for the San Francisco 49ers, went 5–3 filling in for Brock Purdy. He completed 69.6% of his passes with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions. Jones is scheduled to count $2.8 million against the cap in 2026.
He signed a two-year, $8.4 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers ahead of the 2025 season. Pluto suggested offering a third-round pick to acquire him. This move is far more manageable than breaking the salary cap for Willis.
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The 49ers have already said they plan on having Jones on their roster. He’s under contract this season. But flipping him for capital could prove valuable for a 49ers team with aging talent. He ranked ninth in PFSN’s QBi Metric this season.
Browns Focused on Offensive Rebuild Under Todd Monken
Pluto reported that Cleveland’s front office views the offense as needing a major overhaul. That evaluation played a significant role in hiring Todd Monken as head coach over former defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
According to Pluto, the Browns examined their offensive roster and found limited foundational strengths outside of running back Quinshon Judkins and tight end Harold Fannin Jr. Significant draft resources are expected to be used on the offensive line. Cleveland holds picks No. 6, 24 (first round), 39 (second round), and 70 (third round) and could allocate multiple premium selections to rebuild the unit.
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At quarterback, there is no designated starter. Monken has stated that the job is open. Shedeur Sanders enters the competition as a fifth-round selection. Watson remains on the roster despite an extensive injury history and cap implications.
Watson has undergone two Achilles surgeries, shoulder surgery on his throwing arm, and previously had ACL repair. Releasing him before June 1 would carry a $131 million cap charge. A post–June 1 designation would still result in significant dead money (over 80 million).
All that considered, Pluto’s projection of Jones reflects cost control and competition. As Cleveland rebuilds its offense, the quarterback decision is expected to be part of a broader structural reset.
