Browns sign quarterback Pat Devlin
Jul 25, 2014; Davie, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Pat Devlin (7) throws a pass during practice drills at Miami Dolphins Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
I remember watching an old episode of HBO’s “Hard Knocks,” when the Miami Dolphins hosted the show, and one player stood out to me. And it was because of who he was compared to. That player was, Pat Devlin.
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During one of the episodes, Miami tight end’s coach, Dan Campbell, compared Devlin to Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback, Tony Romo. A player he had coached in Dallas.
He saw the quick release, similar body frame, and of course undrafted status, as a couple of eye-popping similarities.
Well, that episode aired in the summer of 2012, and Devlin has really had no opportunity to make an impact on an NFL roster since. Being stuck behind franchise quarterbacks in every situation he’s been in. Yesterday, the Cleveland Browns announced the signing of Devlin to take the place of the injured Johnny Manziel.
Browns will sign QB Pat Devlin, pending a physical, source says. Brought in with Johnny Manziel experiencing arm soreness.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 27, 2015
Manziel is currently dealing with elbow soreness, which some think may keep him out until the season opener. Doesn’t that sound more like a major league baseball injury to a pitcher, than an NFL quarterback? Weird.
Anyway, Devlin will get to prove his Romo-like ability this week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Could this finally be Devlin’s chance to earn a starting role? Many may think that’s crazy, but Josh McCown isn’t exactly Aaron Rodgers. If he’s outplayed, people will take notice.
Since going undrafted out of Delaware in 2011, the 27-year-old Devlin, has taken gigs with the aforementioned Dolphins, the Minnesota Vikings, and Chicago Bears. In the 2013 preseason, he actually led the NFL in passing yards. I’m not sure that’s worth a whole lot, but it’s something.
Thaddeus Lewis is expected to take second-team snaps, but we’ve all seen what type of quarterback Lewis is at this point. Not impressive.
With Connor Shaw out a large chunk of time, and Lewis being a very mediocre back-up option, Devlin has a real chance at making this team.
Team’s with franchise quarterbacks, usually stick with just two quarterbacks on a roster, but this is the Browns, so having three is probably the right idea. Which leads me to believe, Pat Devlin may finally get his long-awaited opportunity, with a chance to start at some point this season.