The Cleveland Browns could look to the trade market to find their franchise quarterback.
Cleveland has been widely expected to use an early pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft to get their franchise quarterback. Yet, NFL insider Jason Fitz of Yahoo Sports believes Cleveland should look to acquire Trevor Lawrence from the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“For that big deal he just got, the way the cap is laid out, it’s a really attainable contract, some complications for the Jags to get rid of him,” Fitz said. “But it’s an attainable contract. … Trevor Lawrence to the Browns? What do you think?”
Fitz’s co-host, Caroline Fenton, agreed and felt like Lawrence being traded to the Browns makes a ton of sense.
“That’s like a nine (out of 10). I would love this for the Cleveland Browns because it would what it would give them is stability at the quarterback position,” Fenton said. “When was the last time the Browns had stability at the quarterback position? What Trevor Lawrence can do is come in and give you just enough. You know that he would be your guy for the next five-plus years.”
Lawrence is in the midst of his five-year, $275 million deal, including $142 million guaranteed with the Jaguars. He was selected first overall in 2021, but he has struggled to live up to expectations with the Jaguars.
This season, Lawrence has gone 188-of-316 for 1,998 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions while also rushing for 4 touchdowns.
In the offseason, Lawrence’s name has come up in trade rumors.
However, no deal was made, and Lawrence said the rumors weren’t true, especially due to the fact that he has a no-trade clause.
“I have a no-trade clause in my contract, so I would know about it if I was getting traded or if that was something that was going to happen,” Lawrence said during an appearance on
Lawrence is a one-time Pro Bowler and has led the Jaguars to the playoffs just once, in 2022, when he led Jacksonville to a 9-8 record. He’s 27-42 as a starting quarterback in the NFL.
Cleveland is widely expected to have a new quarterback in 2026 despite the team showing so much confidence in Dillon Gabriel.
Gabriel will remain the starter on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. Despite his struggles, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said he still has confidence in the rookie quarterback.
“Well, I think with young quarterbacks, it’s understanding that there’s going to be ups and downs,” Stefanski said on Monday. “You know, can Dillon play better? Yes, he can. Can we play better around him? Yes, we can. Can we coach him better? Yes, we can.
“So, I understand the question. But I just trust that our young players at every position, and certainly at the quarterback position, are guys that are going to work their tails off to get better every single day.”
Cleveland is a 7.5-point underdog at home against the Ravens.
Santa Clara, CA — A Heartfelt Return to the 49ers Family
In a dramatic move that has sent ripples throughout the NFL, the San Francisco 49ers announced today that franchise icon Patrick Willis is officially returning to the team in the role of assistant coach. The announcement comes on the heels of a crushing
Willis, regarded as one of the greatest linebackers in the history of the franchise, retired in 2015 after a decorated career with the 49ers. Yet, as the current roster struggles to reclaim the dominance that once defined San Francisco’s defense, his connection to the team and the city never wavered.
“The 49ers Are My Home”
In an emotional press conference, Willis shared his deep-rooted bond with the organization and his decision to come back. “This team, this city—they’ll always be my home,” he said. “I gave everything I had to wearing the red and gold. Watching this roster fight without its edge, seeing the spark fade—I couldn’t stay on the sidelines any longer. I missed the locker room, the preparation, the handshake before the whistle. Now I want to pass it forward: the discipline, the readiness, the relentless mindset. It’s not just about football. It’s about standing up after we fall.”
A Symbolic Yet Critical Return
For a 49ers squad that found itself outmuscled and outmaneuvered against the Rams, Willis’s return is more than a coaching add—it’s a revival of culture. San Francisco’s defense allowed big plays, the offense was unable to control tempo, and the identity that once made the 49ers formidable seemed missing. In the loss to Los Angeles, the Rams jumped out to a 21‑0 lead, never looked back, and exposed every weakness.
Willis isn’t just walking into a position—he’s stepping into the role of guardian of the franchise’s soul. His arrival sends a clear message: the 49ers intend to reclaim their hard‑hitting, prepared, every‑down mindset. He is expected to work directly with the defensive unit and mentor emerging players, helping restore the ferocity that defined San Francisco’s golden years.
Fans React with Emotion
The reaction from 49ers Nation has been immediate and passionate. Social media buzzed with palpable relief and excitement. “Just seeing Patrick Willis in the building again gives me chills,” read one post. Another declared, “If anyone can bring back the heart of this team, it’s Patrick Willis.” For many fans, Willis symbolised everything the 49ers stand for: discipline, toughness and pride. His presence on the sideline is already being heralded as a turning point.
What’s Next for Willis and the 49ers?
Sources within the organization indicate Willis will focus on revitalising defensive fundamentals—gap discipline, pursuit angles, situational awareness—and reinforcing the mental toughness that’s missing. While it’s too early to talk head‑coach trajectory, his role is nothing short of mission‑critical: reshape the unit, restore identity, and fuel a comeback.
The “Niner Empire” mantra, with its promise of resilience and toughness, now has a familiar face returning to guide it. With Willis back in the fold, the 49ers may just be poised for a revival.
The road ahead won’t be easy. The loss to the Rams was a stark reminder of how far the 49ers have fallen in key moments. Yet with Patrick Willis returning home, there is a renewed belief that San Francisco can stand back up—stronger, smarter, and hungrier than before.