Will the Cleveland Browns use Garrett Gilbert as trade bait?

Garrett Gilbert has been impressive during the Cleveland Browns preseason, and it could result in him being used as trade bait.

The Cleveland Browns are used to having a quarterback competition during training camp and the preseason. But now that they have Baker Mayfield, that should not be a concern for many years, and it wasn’t in 2019.

Instead, the Browns were looking at their quarterback room as a whole to build depth. They made two additions to the quarterback room this offseason, signing Garrett Gilbert and David Blough.

Gilbert and Blough were competing to be the team’s No. 3 quarterback, with Gilbert getting the first look in the competition. And because of a strong preseason, Gilbert took over the No. 3 job with ease. And there was some belief that he could be the team’s backup quarterback.

More from Dawg Pound Daily

• How the Browns could maximize Nick Chubb in 2023
• Can Deshaun Watson get to Patrick Mahomes level for Cleveland Browns?
• 3 Cleveland Browns who should see an expanded role in 2023 and 1 who should not
• Is Marcus Davenport on the Browns radar in 2023?
• 5 Free agents from Super Bowl LVII Cleveland Browns should target

However, Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens made it known that there was no competition for the backup quarterback job and Drew Stanton was their guy. So that leaves Gilbert as the No. 3 quarterback. But that is only if the Browns decide to carry three quarterbacks.

Kitchens has said he would prefer to keep three quarterbacks after experiencing a time with only two active quarterbacks with the Arizona Cardinals. But with how well Gilbert performed in the preseason, it is hard to imagine him being relegated to being a third quarterback during the regular season.

In three games, Gilbert completed 40 of his 65 pass attempts for 403 yards and three touchdowns. He was able to complete passes all over the field and he typically looked comfortable whenever he was on the field.

Even though the Browns may not view Gilbert as their backup quarterback, other teams might. Some teams may have concerns about their quarterback situation and could decide to look around the league during cut down day to see if they can find an upgrade. And that could lead them to call the Browns about Gilbert.

Gilbert is 28-years-old and has experience as a backup quarterback, even though he has only played in one regular season game. With his showing this preseason, teams could be intrigued about Gilbert’s potential to be a No. 2 quarterback.

If Gilbert generates interest around the league, the Browns may have a chance to upgrade their roster in areas they may feel they are weak at. Or they could also build up their draft stock, especially after moving two draft picks for Wyatt Teller on Thursday.

Unless Kitchens feels strongly about keeping three quarterbacks on the roster, it would make sense for the Browns to take calls about Gilbert. Especially if they are comfortable with Stanton as their backup, Gilbert could be an opportunity for the Browns to upgrade their roster by moving a player who likely would not contribute much on the field in 2019.

Gilbert could become the team’s backup quarterback in 2020 with Stanton being in the final year of his deal. But if they have a chance to add a talented player who would contribute in 2019, it could prove to be a smart decision to potentially move Gilbert.