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Shannon Sharpe Sends Pointed Message to Browns

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Evan Massey | Last updated Mar 12, 2025 12:29 PM ET

The Cleveland Browns started off the offseason expected to trade Myles Garrett. Following his very public trade request, everything pointed to the Browns' franchise face leaving town.

Right before the start of free agency, however, Garrett had a "change of heart." He ended up agreeing to a massive four-year, $160 million contract extension to remain in Cleveland.

Garrett's agent made a statement about the superstar pass rusher changing his mind regarding the trade request.

“[Browns GM] Andrew Berry and I spent the last 36 hours getting the deal done, basically,” Garrett’s agent, Nicole Lynn, said. “Myles had a change of heart and he’s excited to go from Cleveland to Canton and chase a championship in Ohio."

Bringing Garrett back was a big step towards winning now. However, the Browns have another pressing need.

Shannon Sharpe, a former NFL star and current talk show analyst, sent a pointed message to Cleveland about its quarterback situation.

He doesn't think the Browns will be taken seriously until they find a legitimate starting quarterback.

“Cleveland, if you want to ever be taken serious, when you’re more than an afterthought, you’re gonna have to find a quarterback,” Sharpe said.

At this point in the offseason, a lot of quarterback options are off the board. Cleveland did pull off a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles to acquire Kenny Pickett.

Rumors have connected the Browns to Atlanta Falcons veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. Joe Flacco has also been suggested as a potential option.

Another option could be Cleveland selecting a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft. They have been connected often to both Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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