The Browns Are Not Done at Quarterback
While the Cleveland Browns have signed Josh McCown and Thad Lewis to join Connor Shaw and Johnny Manziel in the quarterback room, the team does not seem done at the position. According to reports GM Ray Farmer loves Marcus Mariota, making him a possibility in the NFL Draft.
There is also now rumors that the Browns offered the #19 pick to the St. Louis Rams for Sam Bradford:
This is true. #19 overall. RT @Rotoworld_FB: Report: CLE offered 1st rounder for Bradford http://t.co/RFB7T7whhW
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) March 17, 2015
The report makes a strong statement about the Browns belief about their quarterback situation. They were willing to give up a pick to get an injury prone QB with a huge contract in Bradford. The combination of the pick and the high cost shows a willingness to do anything to fill their long term need there.
A few other things that it tells us:
- The Browns do not know what they will ever get out of Manziel.
- The Browns could still trade for Bradford during or after the NFL Draft.
- Mariota has to be on the table if they can work out a deal to move up for him. (He could fall but that seems unlikely.)
- Good quarterback play is so limited that a QB with big injury history and mediocre play so far in the NFL could fetch a 1st Round Pick.
When the Eagles traded for Bradford, many thought Chip Kelly would use him to try to move up for Mariota. Fans in Philly were upset with Kelly to trade Nick Foles and picks in order to get a QB with the concerns that Bradford had. You can only imagine what the response would have been if the Browns would have acquired him at such a high cost.
If the Browns do make a move for Bradford it will be a huge sign that Farmer and HC Mike Pettine are concerned about winning right now. Nothing from Free Agency has shown signs that the team is thinking that way. Instead the team continues to use the long range approach, signing veterans to help the young foundation of the team grow.
The good news is that the Browns are aware that QB is still an issue, perhaps the biggest, for the team. While some hope Manziel can be “The Guy” in the future, there is little evidence for the team to go on that he could be. McCown is a placeholder, mentor type for either Manziel or another young QB. Shaw and Lewis are 3rd stringers at best.
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Tony Grossi has talked about the Browns getting supplemental picks by not signing players who are free agents. If the Browns are able to acquire a couple extra picks in middle rounds next year, we could see them moving up to get a QB as well. Cardale Jones leads the names Browns fans talk about but next year’s draft could have a couple “Franchise QB” options. Extra picks gives the team options.
Until that position is answered the team will likely continue to struggle. Quarterback is the only position that moves the Vegas lines by more than 1 point. A stable, good QB is key to team success. It is good to hear the team sees the need.
What do you think about the Browns addressing their QB position?