Former Cleveland Browns executive Joe Banner took several shots at the organization on a recent appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show”.
Banner, who served as CEO from October of 2012 until February of 2014, didn’t hold back any punches regarding the Browns’ disastrous 2025 campaign.
“At this point, I think they’re trying to end with the highest pick as they can,” said Banner, basically accusing Cleveland of tanking the season. “It doesn’t make any sense to me trading [Kenny Pickett] and [Joe] Flacco. I know they were upset when they traded him in the division, but why wouldn’t they? That means they lose another game when they play them”.
While Banner was on board with the decision to play a rookie quarterback in third-rounder Dillon Gabriel this year, he doesn’t have high hopes for him nor fifth-rounder Shedeur Sanders.
They can’t get the benefit of his talent versus young guys. I mean, they’re doing the right thing in seeing if any of the young quarterbacks have what it could take, or they have to pick somebody this year. I don’t think either of them [Gabriel and Sanders] have what it takes, in my opinion anyway…” stated Banner to Eisen during the interview.
Banner was also tough on the direction the club is headed under current leadership’s drafting philosophy.
“And listen, they could lose all five of their offensive linemen at the end of the season if they decide that they are not good enough. They just had a draft that, at least in Cleveland, was covered as a great draft, without picking one offensive lineman, even at the end of the draft, to possibly develop. I just don’t understand. That’s just a way off-base team building philosophy,” warned Banner of Cleveland’s 2025 crop, one that included standout offensive weapons Quinshon Judkins and Harold Fannin Jr., as well as linebacker Carson Schwesinger, a candidate to take the league’s Defensive Rookie of the Year Award.
Banner also expressed some pessimism regarding the talent on the roster outside the quarterback position, which has been dominating the headlines in Cleveland.
“I think [Kevin] Stefanski is actually a good coach, not a great coach, but a good coach. But he’s had six years now. I think Andrew Berry is a smart, hard-working good guy. But, I think he has had a fair chance to really demonstrate that he can build a roster that, if they fix the quarterback problem, can go a long way. I don’t think they’re there yet either.”
And while he did have some praise for the defense, Banner doesn’t consider it an elite unit, either.
“I think the defense is a B, B+. I don’t think it’s an A, either. But, it’s a very good defense. It’s in the top, maybe third, of the defenses in the league. So, I don’t know. To me, they need to get back to basics. They need to make some front office changes. They gotta get to the point where they can dominate those lines.
Sign up Banner as one of those who thinks the Browns should take a quarterback high in the first round of next year’s draft, as well.
“Hopefully, they get a high enough pick that one of the quarterbacks that’s there is their answer.”
Of course, the Browns are on a trajectory to pick very high in next year’s first round, when they should have multiple options to choose from at the quarterback position. But given the team’s history of not being able to develop passers at the next level, there’s no guarantee that just picking up the right prospect — if they actually do so — will lead to success for Cleveland.
Indianapolis, IN — A Quarterback Controversy that Could Define a Dynasty
The Indianapolis Colts are humming along with a commanding 8-2 record, sitting atop the AFC South with a two-game lead, and currently holding the No. 1 seed in the AFC. While the season is far from over and seeding could change dramatically in the coming weeks, one thing is clear: the Colts have found something special this season. And much of that success can be attributed to a decision that seemed risky at the time—choosing Daniel Jones as the starting quarterback over the much-hyped Anthony Richardson.
Entering the 2025 season, the Colts were facing what many believed could be a major landmine in terms of quarterback play. Richardson, the team’s 2023 first-round draft pick, had experience in Shane Steichen’s system after playing under him for two years. With all eyes on Richardson as the next great hope for the Colts, it seemed like the most logical move to hand him the reins as QB1. But Indianapolis made a bolder decision.
The Bold Decision to Start Daniel Jones
Instead of going with Richardson, the Colts took a chance on Daniel Jones, whose career had been marked by struggles in New York with the Giants and a brief stint with the Minnesota Vikings that didn’t leave a lasting impression. Jones had flamed out in New York, failing to live up to the potential that had once made him a first-round pick in 2019. But Indianapolis saw something in Jones that could work in their favor.
Through 10 games in 2025, it’s clear that the Colts made the right choice. Jones has been nothing short of terrific, showcasing poise, leadership, and a level of consistency that has allowed the Colts to thrive. He has breathed new life into a team that had been in search of stability at the quarterback position for years. His solid play has led Indianapolis to a top spot in the AFC, and while the season has a long way to go, the future is looking bright for the Colts with Jones at the helm.
The Anthony Richardson Dilemma: Could He Be on the Move?
Of course, the question remains: what about Richardson? His future in Indianapolis is now uncertain, and the Colts face a significant decision next offseason with the fifth-year option on his contract for 2027 looming. The speculation around Richardson’s future has already begun, and some analysts, like Billy Heyen of the Sporting News, suggest that Richardson could be traded sooner rather than later.
One potential scenario is a trade to the Carolina Panthers, where Richardson would join another former high-profile 2023 draft pick, Bryce Young. The Panthers’ decision to stick with Young as their starter despite his lackluster performance has drawn criticism, much like Richardson’s struggles in Indianapolis. Young has started 37 games over three seasons for Carolina, but his record of 11-26, combined with a quarterback rating of just 77.8 and a troubling 37-26 touchdown-to-interception ratio, has led some to question his future as the Panthers’ QB1. Could Richardson be the answer in Carolina? Some think a change of scenery might be just what both quarterbacks need, but at this point, Richardson’s future in Indianapolis appears increasingly uncertain.
The Long-Term Vision for the Colts
For Colts fans, however, the uncertainty surrounding Richardson’s future isn’t a major concern. Indianapolis has found its long-term quarterback in Daniel Jones, and that should equate to sustained success for years to come. While the Colts’ decision to start Jones over Richardson raised some eyebrows at first, it’s clear that the team’s leadership saw something in Jones that many others had overlooked. His ability to manage the offense, avoid mistakes, and make crucial throws when needed has allowed the Colts to remain atop the AFC South and firmly in the playoff hunt.
Whether Richardson stays in Indianapolis or moves on to another team, the Colts have made a decisive step forward in securing their quarterback situation. With Jones leading the way, Indianapolis looks poised to build a new era of success, one that could lead to long-term dominance in the AFC. And while the quarterback controversy around Richardson might continue to swirl, the Colts are content knowing they have found their man under center.