Dorian Thompson-Robinson Seizes Opportunity as Browns’ Starting Quarterback
BEREA, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns are in a state of flux as they approach the final stretch of the regular season. With the quarterback position in question, head coach Kevin Stefanski has made a bold move by naming Dorian Thompson-Robinson as the starting quarterback. While Stefanski describes the decision as “week-to-week,” Thompson-Robinson is eyeing a bigger prize: the chance to secure the starting role for the 2025 season.
When asked about his perspective on the upcoming games, Thompson-Robinson didn’t hold back. “Oh yeah. Best believe we’re trying to take full advantage of it, too. We’re going to go out there and we’re going to try to win these games,” he confidently stated. This opportunity is a significant one for the young quarterback, who was a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Thompson-Robinson is set to make his fourth career start this Sunday. His rookie season saw him start three games, during which he completed 53.6% of his passes for 440 yards, with one touchdown and four interceptions. The Browns managed a 1-2 record in those games. His journey this season has been a rollercoaster, stepping in during the Browns’ Week 7 game against the Bengals after Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending right Achilles tendon tear. Thompson-Robinson’s performance was a mixed bag, completing 11 of 24 passes for 82 yards and two interceptions before a thumb injury sidelined him. He also made a brief appearance in the Browns’ recent 21-7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, completing 4 of 9 passes for 18 yards and throwing an interception on the final drive.
Stefanski explained his decision to start Thompson-Robinson, saying, “Wanted to give him an opportunity and give him an entire week to prepare as the starter.” This move highlights the uncertainty surrounding the Browns’ quarterback situation for the 2025 season. Both Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry have been noncommittal about Watson’s future as the starter.
Watson’s tenure with the Browns has been tumultuous. Since Cleveland traded three first-round picks for him and handed him a fully guaranteed $230 million contract before the 2022 season, Watson has started just 19 games. This season, he has posted the lowest total QBR among qualifying passers. The financial implications are significant, with the Browns still owing Watson $46 million in each of the last two seasons of his deal, and cap hits exceeding $72 million in 2025 and 2026. According to ESPN Analytics, Cleveland has a 99.1% chance of obtaining a top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL draft, which could potentially be used to draft a new quarterback.
Meanwhile, Jameis Winston, who will serve as Thompson-Robinson’s backup, remains optimistic about his future in the NFL. Despite being benched, Winston expressed confidence in his abilities, stating, “I’m content with the highs and I’m content with the lows. But I’m never satisfied. … I’m going to continue to pursue my dream, and I hope that another team or this team gives me another opportunity to show what I’m capable of.” Winston, who signed a one-year deal worth $4 million last offseason, has not yet engaged in discussions with the Browns’ front office regarding an extension.
- Winston’s record as a starter this season stands at 2-5.
- He led the Browns to upset victories over the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Winston has thrown 12 interceptions since Week 8, three more than the next closest player, Kirk Cousins of the Atlanta Falcons, who has nine.
The Browns’ quarterback conundrum is a hot topic as the team navigates the remainder of the season. With Thompson-Robinson eager to prove himself and Winston still hopeful for another shot, the Browns’ leadership faces critical decisions that could shape the franchise’s future. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Thompson-Robinson to see if he can rise to the occasion and make a compelling case for the starting role in 2025.
Originally Written by: Daniel Oyefusi
