Browns latest quarterback move has led to some confusion
Tyler Huntley might just be a camp arm, but his signing with the Browns has raised eyebrows
By Randy Gurzi
It's been quite the offseason regarding quarterbacks for the Cleveland Browns. Following a month of back-and-forth on the desire to re-sign Joe Flacco, the Browns went in a different direction and agreed to terms with Jameis Winston. Confusion erupted when the NFL Comeback Player of the Year signed a nearly identical deal with the Indianapolis Colts.
On Sunday, the Browns made another move at quarterback, signing Tyler Huntley. A former backup for the Baltimore Ravens, Huntley somehow made the Pro Bowl in 2022 despite throwing for just 658 yards that year.
In his career, he's completed 64.6 percent of his attempts for 1,957 yards with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. Huntley offers mobility as well, evidenced by his 509 yards and three touchdowns as a runner.
With a quick look at the quarterback room, there are now four players, three known for their ability to run with the ball. Adding Huntley is more proof they want to evolve their offense but it's also raised some concerns among the fan base. Jack Duffin of the OBR asked what it means for all three QBs ahead of Huntley.
With the #Browns signing QB Tyler Huntley three theories for me:
— Jack Duffin (@JackDuffin) March 17, 2024
Watson - injury worse than expected
Winston - signing hasn’t been made official, did something come up & not happening
DTR - do they not rate him as a third QB on the team
Weird one all around… pic.twitter.com/zN20kAfab4
Those are just theories, and perhaps they mean nothing. But Duffin isn't alone. Jacob Roach of Browns Wire says he thinks it's just a camp arm, but he also asked if Deshaun Watson is still working through his recovery.
Personally I think it’s just a camp arm, the Browns have historically carried four QBs in camp, but does part of me think the timeline for Watson’s return is longer than we initially thought? Yes #DawgPound pic.twitter.com/Cj8PHRvbPm
— Jacob Roach (@roachizm13) March 17, 2024
He also wasn't alone in pointing out that Jameis Winston has yet to officially sign his deal.
I just noticed something. If we’re about to sign Tyler Huntley, how come there hasn’t been official news about the Browns signing Jameis Winston? 🤔
— CLE Sports Twist (@CleSportsTwist) March 17, 2024
Most of the takes, however, seem to focus on the fact that the Browns typically carry four quarterbacks into training camp.
The Tyler Huntley signing is simple the #Browns want to carry four quarterbacks into camp like they did last year. Good chance that they end up trading one of them after the preseason nothing else to conclude from this.
— Tyler Johnson (@T_johnson_TJ) March 17, 2024
What's the deal with the Browns signing Tyler Huntley?
If there is an alterior motive, we'll find that out at some point down the road. But it's safe to assume this is just a depth signing. Huntley was added for the veteran minimum, so there's no guarantee at all he makes the team.
Cleveland has typically carried four quarterbacks up through the preseason and it just so happens they landed one with a recognizable name. No sense in reading more into this unless there's evidence to support anything further.
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