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In the NFL, there are few rivalries as intense and storied as that of the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers. These two teams have shared a division, a fierce rivalry, and a history of battling it out on the gridiron, often with playoff implications on the line. Over the years, both franchises have had their share of ups and downs, but one area of recurring struggle for the Browns has been the quarterback position. However, recent developments suggest that the Cleveland Browns may be on the verge of solving that long-standing issue—and in doing so, they could simultaneously deliver a blow to their bitter AFC North rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Browns’ quarterback conundrum has been an ongoing story for decades. Since their return to the NFL in 1999, Cleveland has cycled through a long list of quarterbacks, from Tim Couch to Johnny Manziel to Baker Mayfield and beyond. While the team has found varying degrees of success with certain players over the years, the lack of long-term stability at the position has consistently prevented them from reaching their full potential. The 2023 season was no different, as the Browns struggled with inconsistent quarterback play, despite the presence of Pro Bowl talent on both sides of the ball.

Enter a potential game-changing move: If the Cleveland Browns were to target and successfully sign a quarterback currently on the free-agent market or available via trade, they could finally stabilize their quarterback position. What’s more, the ripple effect of such a move could directly impact their divisional rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers, in a way that would make Cleveland’s bold decision all the more satisfying.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at how the Browns could solve their quarterback problem with one key move, and how that move could simultaneously hurt the Steelers’ chances in the highly competitive AFC North.

### The Browns’ Quarterback Problem

The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation has been one of the franchise’s greatest struggles since their rebirth in 1999. After several failed attempts to find a franchise quarterback, the Browns’ best hope for stability came in 2018 with the drafting of Baker Mayfield, who had a strong rookie season. However, Mayfield’s time with the team was marked by inconsistency and controversy, and his inability to lead the team to sustained success ultimately led to his departure.

In 2022, the Browns traded for Deshaun Watson in one of the most high-profile and controversial moves in recent NFL history. Watson, a former Pro Bowl quarterback with the Houston Texans, was seen as the potential answer to Cleveland’s quarterback woes. However, due to legal issues and a lengthy suspension, Watson’s debut season in Cleveland was a mixed bag at best. While Watson showed glimpses of his previous elite form, his extended absence from regular-season action, combined with the high expectations placed on him, made it clear that the Browns’ quarterback situation still wasn’t as stable as they had hoped.

As of the 2023 offseason, Watson remains the starter, but the uncertainty surrounding his ability to consistently perform at a high level has left the Browns in a precarious situation. While they have solid offensive weapons like running back Nick Chubb and wide receivers Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones, the quarterback position still stands as the key to the team’s success. To truly contend in the competitive AFC North, the Browns must solidify the quarterback position—either by ensuring Watson can return to his Pro Bowl form or by looking outside the organization for a fresh face under center.

### The Steelers’ Quarterback Position

To understand how the Browns could hurt the Steelers, it’s important to look at Pittsburgh’s current quarterback situation. After Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement in 2022, the Steelers entered a new era at quarterback, with second-year player Kenny Pickett leading the charge. Pickett, a former first-round pick out of Pitt, showed some promise during his rookie season, but the jury is still out on whether he can develop into the franchise quarterback the Steelers so desperately need.

The Steelers have traditionally been known for their stability at the quarterback position, with Roethlisberger leading the team to two Super Bowl titles and multiple playoff appearances during his long career. However, the transition to Pickett has been far from seamless. While the defense remains one of the best in the league, the Steelers’ offense, under Pickett’s leadership, has been a work in progress. The team’s inability to find a top-tier quarterback has prevented them from fully capitalizing on their defensive strength.

In order for Pittsburgh to remain competitive in the AFC North, they need a quarterback capable of elevating the offense and keeping pace with the likes of Joe Burrow in Cincinnati and Lamar Jackson in Baltimore. However, with Pickett still unproven, the Steelers may be forced to look elsewhere for their long-term solution at quarterback. The pressure on Pickett to perform and develop quickly will only intensify, and with the high expectations surrounding the Steelers’ historically successful franchise, there is little room for error.

### The Move That Could Solve the Browns’ QB Problem — and Hurt the Steelers

Now, let’s consider the move that could shift the balance of power in the AFC North. What if the Cleveland Browns were to make a bold move to acquire a quarterback who could provide the stability and leadership they need for years to come? There are several potential options available on the market, from veteran quarterbacks seeking a fresh start to young quarterbacks in need of a change of scenery. A quarterback like **Jimmy Garoppolo**, **Ryan Tannehill**, or even a trade for a top-tier talent could be the catalyst for a turnaround in Cleveland.

Let’s break down how such a move could play out and how it would hurt Pittsburgh’s chances in the division:

1. **Immediate Stability at the QB Position**: A veteran quarterback with a proven track record—such as Garoppolo, who has led the San Francisco 49ers to multiple playoff appearances—could provide the Browns with immediate stability at the most important position on the field. Garoppolo’s experience in high-pressure situations, including a Super Bowl appearance, would give the Browns a clear upgrade over the uncertainty surrounding Watson’s ability to return to form. With a stable quarterback, Cleveland could focus on building around its talented roster and taking advantage of the weaknesses in the AFC North.

2. **Pittsburgh’s Dilemma**: The Steelers’ situation would be further complicated if the Browns were able to secure a quarterback who could guide them to playoff contention. As it stands, Pittsburgh is already under pressure to develop Kenny Pickett into a reliable starting quarterback. If the Browns’ quarterback play improves, it would make it even harder for the Steelers to compete within the division. The Steelers would find themselves in a position where they are not only battling the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens but also a revitalized Cleveland team with better quarterback play. The division would be far more difficult to navigate, with the Steelers struggling to keep pace.

3. **A Shift in the AFC North Power Dynamics**: For years, the Steelers have been one of the dominant forces in the AFC North, but with Roethlisberger’s departure and Pickett still unproven, Pittsburgh’s position as the leader in the division is increasingly tenuous. If the Browns make a smart, aggressive move to shore up their quarterback situation, they could emerge as the new threat in the AFC North, creating a situation where Pittsburgh would have to play catch-up. The Steelers’ traditional advantage at quarterback would be gone, and Cleveland, with an upgraded quarterback, could be poised to overtake them.

4. **Long-Term Consequences**: If the Browns make the right quarterback move, they could position themselves for long-term success in the AFC North, while the Steelers continue to rely on Pickett’s development. The Steelers’ decision to roll with Pickett as their long-term starter could prove to be a risky one, and if Pickett doesn’t develop as hoped, Pittsburgh could find themselves in a prolonged rebuilding phase. In contrast, the Browns, with a more reliable quarterback, could become the team to beat in the division for years to come.

### Conclusion

The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation is a critical piece of the puzzle that will determine their future success. If they can secure a veteran quarterback or make a bold move to upgrade the position, they could finally put an end to their quarterback woes and position themselves as a true contender in the AFC North. This would not only benefit the Browns but could also have a significant impact on their archrivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers. With the Steelers still uncertain at quarterback, the Browns could capitalize on their rival’s struggles and shift the balance of power in the division. It’s a move that could help the Browns solve a long-standing problem—and hurt the Steelers in the process.