Kevin Stefanski and the Browns have a plan. At least, that’s what they keep telling us. Back in February, the head coach made it clear—Cleveland was exploring all avenues at quarterback, whether through the draft or free agency. “There’s some really exciting young players in this draft,” Stefanski said. So, it didn’t take time for the speculation to take off.

Cam Ward? Shedeur Sanders? Because these two QB names have been right up there ever since day 1. But to make who exactly Kevin was after could have been a bit difficult. Maybe it was someone under the radar? Fast forward to now, and one name is heating up: Jaxson Dart.

Dart isn’t just a name on a draft board—he’s a calculated gamble. Let me explain it to you. So, the Browns have just secured Myles Garrett for the long haul and are playing chess, not checkers. In their heads, if all the pieces fall like they want them to, then they could grab Abdul Carter at No. 2 to beef up the pass rush and circle back for Dart in the second round.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport even noted, “Jaxson Dart has spent extensive time with the Browns.” But here’s the thing: they aren’t the only ones eyeing him. And their biggest competition? The $7.6 billion-worth LA Rams.

If Cleveland thought they had a clear path to Dart, they might need to call an audible. ESPN’s Mina Kimes threw L.A.’s name into the mix on ESPNS’ NFL Live: “Would love for Jaxson Dart to go to the Rams and sit for a year to develop behind Matthew Stafford.”

Her thought process is basically based around the fact that Stafford is returning for 2025, but he’s 37. So, the Rams need a plan for life after No. 9. And Dart, an accurate passer with deep-ball touch and three years of starting experience, fits the bill.

Sean McVay and Les Snead don’t just plan for the future—they attack it. They’ve been linked to multiple quarterbacks in this draft, and if they believe Dart is their guy, they will make a move. The Rams don’t have a second-round pick, which means if they want him, they’ll have to get aggressive.

A trade-up scenario? Very much on the table. Dart has the arm, mobility, and upside to thrive in McVay’s system. Sitting behind Stafford for a season? That’s just bonus development time. But, eventually, it might come down to how BADLY they want him. Because if we keep the current movements in mind, Kevin Stefanski might already be a couple of steps ahead.

Kevin Stefanski seems to have locked his sights

Jaxson Dart just wrapped up a monster season at Ole Miss—4,279 yards, 29 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. That kind of production gets you noticed, and the Browns have certainly taken note. They’ve now met with Dart for a private workout, adding him to their growing list of QB evaluations.

Interest is one thing. But to show up on the Pro Day? That’s next-level scouting. Especially when the head coach himself shows up instead of sending a scout. Kevin Stefanski has played that card.

This isn’t just due diligence anymore. Sure, the Browns have done their homework on guys like Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, and Jalen Milroe, but Dart’s name keeps surfacing in ways the others don’t. The puzzle is starting to take shape… They need a quarterback, but the 2025 draft class isn’t as stacked as last year’s. So, what’s the move? Reach early or play the board?

Meanwhile, the Browns’ offseason has been a mess. Deshaun Watson’s contract has them handcuffed, and after a brutal 3-14 season, they can’t afford another misfire. They need a young QB, but they also need a real plan. Dart sitting behind Watson? Not the worst idea. If Watson struggles again post-injury, Cleveland has a contingency. If he somehow rebounds? Dart develops in the background.

Either way, Stefanski isn’t just checking boxes—he’s hunting for a real solution. But let’s hope they don’t take their sweet time deciphering because of if they want him. That’s it! Pray he makes it out of the Round 1 untouched.

Now, it’s decision time. Stefanski has shown his hand, but can the Browns actually land their guy? If they wait too long, they might watch Dart slip away. And if they do it without thinking, then that’s another ballgame the Dawg Pound can’t afford to play.