5 Bold Cleveland Browns predictions in free agency

Cleveland Browns free agency bold prediction No. 1: Browns get a new backup QB in Marcus Mariota

Assuming the Browns release their current backup quarterback Case Keenum to save money as the team looks for more cap space, they will have to sign a new veteran quarterback to back up Baker Mayfield. Mitch Trubisky and hometown kid of Cleveland, who’s a free agent too could be someone that the team looks to.

However, I think the more likely replacement to Keenum would be Marcus Mariota. He was the former Tennessee Titans starter for several years and his versatility and running ability he has to escape the pocket and gain yards for his team could all be selling points to a Cleveland team needing a quarterback that would potentially fill in for Mayfield but also push him for starting duties this upcoming training camp.

Mariota made $3.5 million a year ago with the Las Vegas Raiders and he’ll be looking for a better deal and the potential to start games next season. Cleveland certainly would seem a possibility for Mariota. The Browns current quarterback is going into his lame-duck season and has only this next year left on his rookie contract to try and convince the front office to offer an extension.

Mariota is a really good quarterback that could be a bridge to a new quarterback the Browns might draft in this year or next year’s draft should they either decide to move on from Mayfield or if he elects to look for a fresh start himself when he hits free agency.