Cleveland Browns: 5 Quarterbacks To Target
The Cleveland Browns have a lot to mull over in the offseason, specifically what to do at quarterback. Baker Mayfield is taking his lumps in the media and Browns fans are left in wonder. Should Cleveland go all-out and try and upgrade in the offseason, or should they continue to build stronger talent around Mayfield? There are a few options they ought to consider:
Bring Jimmy Garappolo In As Competition:
Both Baker Mayfield and Jimmy Garappolo have struggled as starters for their teams. On the flip side, they’ve also shown tremendous potential. Too bad potential doesn’t buy you long in the NFL. If San Francisco allows Jimmy G to walk away via cut/free agency, the Cleveland Browns need to step up. Neither Brown nor Mayfield has had real competition for a starting job. Baker has had journeyman QB Case Keenum and Garappolo had a rookie. If the Browns can manage two quarterbacks who could start day 1, each would have to step up and earn the starting spot rather than it be handed to them.
Try And Trade For Matt Ryan
The Cleveland Browns have spent years trying to draft and sign an able-bodied quarterback and have failed miserably. At this point what do they have to lose trying to trade for one? Ryan is in the back half of his 30s but can still sling a football. Atlanta needs a soft rebuild and, against their own judgment, should be listening to offers for Ryan. He’s always had a hot hand and has proved he can win with a run game. Cleveland has a whole host of running backs to compliment his style so even if his better days are behind him, he doesn’t need to be the lead playmaker.
More Cleveland Browns: Baker Needs To Be More Than Just Talk
Sign Jaemis Winston
Before his injury, Winston was having a pretty decent season with the New Orleans Saints. He’s a guy who can chuck the ball all over the field but his mistakes cost him. By going out and hitting the QB position in free agency, the Browns can attack the draft for playmakers. If the Saints don’t franchise him/allow him to hit free agency, Cleveland should pounce. The Saints proved he doesn’t have to throw for 500 yards to get a win and a run game that balances out his attempts would up the ante.
Sign Dwayne Haskins Jr
Haskins had a high ceiling for his potential but has been limited to his supporting cast. Although it’s on him to grow into a starter role, he can change the dynamic of the Browns offense. When healthy, Cleveland doesn’t need to be a run-first team and can allow quarterbacks to succeed/fail and still win games. If the Browns can continue their offensive line play, get a game-changing receiver at either the TE or WR position, and pick up a few pieces on defense it won’t matter who’s under center.
Related: Mayfield Isn’t What Fans Want Him To Be
Take a Flyer on Josh Rosen
Let’s be honest, the Cleveland Browns have little to offer when it comes to destinations. The biggest names in free agency aren’t going there without being title-worthy or a warm beach ready. The list of free agents isn’t that strong and neither are the draft prospects. However, Josh Rosen is still out there for close to pennies. He earned a backup spot in Atlanta and while he doesn’t strike fear as a replacement, it sends a message to Baker. Rosen is actually younger than Mayfield and with the current Browns team, he wouldn’t need to come in and be a star with a proper draft. Lean on Baker a little and force him to step up to his potential.
The Cleveland Browns aren’t the same laughing stock of the NFL and were in a bunch of close games this year. They could only be a few playmakers away. If they’re smart, they’ll avoid trying to match the rest of the division stride for stride and building around their strengths. With the right moves this offseason, they could make it back to the playoffs.
Rick ODonnell aka Caveman Rick has many years covering the Miami Dolphins, Sports, and all sorts of movies and television.
