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Cleveland Browns: Too early to assume Brock Osweiler won’t be released

By Steven Kubitza

Oct 16, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) looks over the defense at the line of scrimmage against the Indianapolis Colts during the third quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) looks over the defense at the line of scrimmage against the Indianapolis Colts during the third quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Browns fans may be preparing for a season with Brock Osweiler, but there is still plenty of time to move or release the quarterback.

The Cleveland Browns need a starting quarterback for the 2017 season. Thus, the team went out and traded for Brock Osweiler and his $16 million guaranteed to lead the team to the Super Bowl.

Well, the situation is not exactly that simple. The Browns traded for Osweiler, but fans were led to believe that it was nothing more than a salary dump for the Houston Texans, aided by the Browns and the massive amount of cap space in Cleveland.

Yet a few weeks have passed and Osweiler remains a member of the Browns, seemingly at the top of a quarterback depth chart that includes himself, Cody Kessler and Kevin Hogan.

Recently, Hue Jackson hasn’t exactly endorsed Osweiler as the team’s next starter, but he hasn’t ruled it out either.

This has some fans preparing for a season in which Osweiler competes for the starting quarterback job, but it is way too early to assume that.

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The former Texan will likely remain a member of the team until at least the end of April, right up until the NFL Draft. That is when he faces his best chance of being traded. A team may be willing to take him if the Browns pay most of his salary, which would have to be done for anyone to take on such a contract.

But while this remains a longshot, drafting a quarterback may end Osweiler’s chances of remaining a Brown in 2017. Getting a quarterback early, such as Deshaun Watson, Mitchell Trubisky, DeShone Kizer or even Patrick Mahomes, could result in the veteran being released right away.

One can argue that Osweiler’s experience can help the young quarterbacks on the roster, but there may not be a point in keeping him if the team has already been so open about not wanting him here long-term.

It is not like he wouldn’t try, as he is still getting paid a hefty sum, but Hue Jackson may look to bring in someone who can help mentor the young quarterbacks beyond just 2017, such as a veteran at the tail end of his career.

So much can happen between now and the NFL Draft, yet it is too early to start up the Osweiler vs. Kessler quarterback competition that fans have been dreaming of for years.

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Keeping Osweiler in town for a year wouldn’t be a horrible move considering he is owed so much money, but his presence may not benefit the long-term plans of the team, which is the most important thing in second year of this rebuilding phase.

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