Topics of discussion at the 2025 NFL Combine will likely include Myles Garrett’s trade request, Deshaun Watson’s uncertain future and more.
CLEVELAND — As the 2025 NFL Combine takes place this week in Indianapolis, the Cleveland Browns find themselves in a pivotal offseason with an important week of scouting and conversations ahead.
During the first few days in Indy, Browns’ general manager Andrew Berry and coach Kevin Stefanski are expected to field questions from the media, marking one of the few times they have spoken this offseason.
From addressing key roster needs to navigating significant player decisions, here’s a look at three storylines to watch for the Browns at this year’s NFL Combine.
1. Myles Garrett’s Trade Request: What’s next for the defensive end?
One of the biggest storylines for the Browns heading into the NFL Combine is Myles Garrett’s trade request. Garrett, the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, has made it clear he wants to compete for a Super Bowl and no longer wants to be part of a rebuild in Cleveland.
With two years left on his five-year, $125 million contract, Garrett’s future with the Browns is uncertain. His potential departure could significantly impact the defense, resulting in the team most likely watching defensive prospects closely. Garrett’s trade request will likely be a hot topic during interviews with Berry and Stefanski.
However, just weeks before the trade request, Berry noted that he envisions Garrett ending his career with the Browns.
“So let me say in terms of Myles, my anticipation, expectation is that he’ll have a direct ticket from Cleveland to Canton at the end of his years and expect him to be here and retire at Brown, quite frankly.”
Many mock drafts now link Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter to the Browns as a potential replacement. Carter’s ability to impact the pass rush could be crucial if Garrett departs, making him a key prospect to watch at the NFL Combine.
2. Quarterback Quandary: The future of Cleveland’s signal caller
The Cleveland Browns face significant uncertainty at quarterback heading into the 2025 season. After undergoing a second Achilles surgery in January, Deshaun Watson’s status for the upcoming season is in doubt. The 29-year-old Watson made just seven starts in 2024 as the offense struggled to find consistency. The Browns ultimately ended the season with a 3-14 record.
To make matters more uncertain, backup quarterback Jameis Winston is set to become a free agent, leaving Cleveland without a clear path forward at the position.
With the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Browns are now presented with a possible opportunity to secure a future franchise signal-caller. During the upcoming NFL Combine, Cleveland will closely evaluate top quarterback prospects like Cam Ward (Miami) and Shedeur Sanders (Colorado).
While Sanders and presumably Ward will not throw at the Combine, the Browns will have the opportunity to watch other quarterback prospects in live drills.
Options such as Ohio State’s Will Howard and Louisville’s Tyler Shough could be on their radar if Cleveland addresses another position with the No. 2 pick. If the Browns prioritize a defensive playmaker like Carter or Colorado’s Travis Hunter in the first round, they could target a quarterback in the second or third round.
The NFL Combine serves as a major touchpoint for trade discussions and draft rumors. The Browns could explore various strategies, including trading up or down, to secure the right quarterback to revitalize their offense.
3. A Long-Awaited First-Round Pick: A key moment for the Browns
The 2025 NFL Draft marks a defining moment for the Cleveland Browns, as they finally hold a first-round pick for the first time since 2022. After trading away their recent first-round selections as part of the blockbuster Watson deal, the Browns now have the No. 2 overall pick—an invaluable asset that could reshape the roster.
With glaring needs on both offense and defense, this pick presents a rare opportunity to solidify Cleveland’s future. The NFL Combine will provide crucial insight into how the Browns plan to approach the selection, with key figures, including Berry and Stefanski, set to address the media. Will they hint at a quarterback selection, or could a veteran option—such as Matthew Stafford—alter their plans?
The Browns are also set to interview top prospects, which will shed light on their draft plans. Additionally, Pro Football Hall of Famer (and proud father) Deion Sanders’ comments on Shedeur Sanders during or after the NFL Combine could provide further clues about Cleveland’s quarterback strategy heading into the draft.
The decisions made during this combine could reshape Cleveland’s future.
- Round 1, Pick 2
- Round 2, Pick 33
- Round 3, Picks 67 and 94
- Round 4, Pick 103
- Round 5, Pick 165
- Round 6, Picks 181, 193, 202, 216, 217
- Round 7, Pick 257