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Cleveland Browns: Giving Geno Smith a chance would be a lateral move

By Steven Kubitza

Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) leaves the field following the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Jets 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) leaves the field following the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Jets 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cleveland Browns reportedly have interest in Geno Smith, but bringing him to Cleveland would not serve as an upgrade at the quarterback position.

For Cleveland Browns fans who hate the idea of signing another team’s backup quarterback, there is another name to add to the list of potential backups the Browns may sign.

The Browns have reportedly expressed interest in Geno Smith, according to Ian Rapoport.

The tweet links to a video, in which Rapoport explains that Smith met with the New York Giants, but that the Browns and the Los Angeles Chargers have interest in Smith. The term “interest” could mean anything from seriously pursuing to potentially considering, so it may be too early for fans to worry.

The Browns made a smart move by releasing Robert Griffin III, and the (hopefully) impending trade or release of Brock Osweiler means the Browns have options when it comes to the quarterback position.

The most likely option seems to be taking a quarterback in the NFL Draft, and allowing him to come in and be the starter right away. That is, if the team doesn’t formulate an attractive offer for Jimmy Garoppolo.

But going out and getting Geno Smith doesn’t seem to be a move that would help the Browns much in 2017.

Smith lost his starter job after two seasons as a member of the New York Jets and has only started one game in the past two years. If the Browns are looking for someone to come in who can be an option beyond 2017 and reverse the trend of the starter losing his job during the season, Smith is not the answer.

Related: Browns trying to trade Osweiler

Not only has he struggled throughout his career, but he also tore his ACL this past October. He may have success one day, but the Browns cannot take a chance on him in the second year of this rebuilding process.

No matter who the teams signs, there is going to be both praise and criticism. But Smith is a tough option to get behind based on his career marks and his recent injury.

It brings up the question of who the Browns should bring in to start in 2017, which will be the ultimate question until the team makes a move. It may end up happening in the NFL Draft, but players like Smith and even Chase Daniel will continue to remain options until finding new homes.

Next: Free agency shows culture is changing

Yet if the goal is to mold a quarterback under Hue Jackson, the wisest move may be to go through the draft.

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