Cleveland Browns: The quarterback situation behind RG3
The Cleveland Browns have some uncertainty behind Robert Griffin III on the 2016 depth chart.
The Cleveland Browns declared Robert Griffin III the team’s starting quarterback Monday, ending the anticipation of the long-expected decision.
Griffin was the presumptive starter since he was signed in March, but his history of injuries made the backup position more important than normal.
The current quarterbacks behind Griffin are Josh McCown, Cody Kessler and Austin Davis. McCown seemed to be the obvious choice as backup, but his name continues to be one associated with trade rumors between the Browns and teams in need of an experienced backup quarterback.
The Browns themselves can use his experience, but with the possibility of another quarterback being drafted in 2017, the team may move on and see Griffin as the veteran of the group.
Kessler was drafted in the third round this year and seems to be the only quarterback besides Griffin who has complete job security in 2016. His draft spot, and the fact he was taken by the current front office, means there is an extremely slim chance he would not make the final roster this year.
Hue Jackson has spoken highly of the rookie since he was drafted, and the Browns have to give him a chance to develop before cutting him loose.
Davis is in a similar situation to McCown. He is not a popular name in the backup quarterback trade market, but he could be someone the Browns offer up to other teams before the final rosters are formed.
He was given a two-year extension last season, meaning a team would get him as a backup through the 2017 season, with a $1.7 million cap hit in 2016, and a $2.1 million cap hit in 2017.
His future with the Browns may be the most unknown of any of the backups, as his fate relies upon what happens with McCown. If McCown is traded, Davis should have a spot as either the second or third-string quarterback. But if the veteran remains a Brown in 2016, Davis will likely not have a spot on the roster.
There is also the possibility of any of the other three getting injured, which would also give Davis a spot on the roster.
Next: Browns activate Joe Haden
The Browns don’t open the regular season until September 11, meaning there is plenty of time for other teams to inquire about McCown, and even Davis, but at least the quarterback drama in 2016 is surrounding the backup position instead of the starter.