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Cleveland Browns Get Terrible News On One Of Their Top Quarterback Targets

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This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Cleveland Browns logo on the goal post.
Cleveland Browns logo on the goal post (Photo Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

The Cleveland Browns entered the 2026 NFL offseason with multiple questions to answer. The AFC North franchise has struggled to find a true QB1 who can lead them to contend. While it hasn’t been new for the Browns, they have blown opportunities with solid quarterbacks such as Baker Mayfield.

The infamous Deshaun Watson trade turned out to be a nightmare for them on and off the field, and they are set to do something about the QB’s hefty contract. Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel didn’t look like the future of the franchise in 2025, although they haven’t been written off.

Cleveland reportedly identified two options to improve their quarterback play in 2026: Malik Willis, an impending free agent from the Green Bay Packers, and Alabama prospect Ty Simpson. More than that, they also kept tabs on another veteran who had a solid 2025 campaign.

Cleveland Browns’ Pursuit of Mac Jones Hit With Harsh Update

Oct 2, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones (10) reacts after the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Another option for general manager Andrew Berry was the San Francisco 49ers’ Mac Jones. The quarterback revived his career in 2025, and several teams have been mentioned among his potential sweepstakes. The Browns were one of them. However, Niners GM John Lynch explained it would not be easy to acquire Jones’ services via trade.

“He’s really good for us and we value that,” Lynch said, via Nick Wagoner of ESPN. “And so somebody would have to come with something fairly strong for us to consider. And then I don’t know what we do. Obviously there’s always something that would make you [do it], but I think we’re a better team with him on it and we just like having him around.”

Mac Jones played 11 games in 2025, going 201 of 289 for 2,151 yards and 13 touchdowns with six interceptions. He confidently said he can be a starter in the league, but it would be for the team that pays the right price.

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