Cleveland Browns: Three free agent quarterbacks to consider

1. Blake Bortles

Blake Bortles isn’t a free agent. Not yet, at least. All signs point towards Jacksonville moving on from the struggling quarterback, though.

A former high first round pick from UCF, Bortles has struggled to elevate his play as the starting QB for the Jaguars. Even with a berth in the AFC Championship Game in 2018, the lack of faith in Bortles was evident by the Jaguars coaching staff. The team was wary to let him throw the ball in key situations, and that was ultimately the reason the team lost to the Patriots.

Even after signing an extension last off-season, many believed the team would look elsewhere if they really wanted to rise to the level they strived and win championships. Bortles will likely be cut this off-season and replaced by Nick Foles or a rookie quarterback.

That gives the Browns a good opportunity to pick up Bortles as a backup option. Being a backup is a role more suited for Bortles, who can have a good game or two each season if needed. He, like Mayfield, is mobile and able to use his legs to extend plays and scramble for a few yards when necessary.

If Mayfield were to get injured, Bortles has played in enough games against good competition, and always seemingly played his best when the odds were against him.

If Cleveland were to need to start Bortles for more than a game or two, that would be scary. But Bortles is a good option to have in emergency situations. He can avoid the spotlight, work on his craft, and work with the scout team on occasion to help the Browns defense prepare for games.

If nothing else, they can let him throw deep balls to help the defensive backs with tracking the ball and getting interceptions, something he excelled at in his four seasons in Jacksonville.