The Cleveland Browns Have Settled Their QB Room
Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
It’s barely 10 AM on the East Coast, and the Cleveland Browns have already been extremely active in finalizing their quarterback room for 2024. Heading into the day, one of the bigger surprises on their initial 53-man roster was that the team had just two healthy players at running back and tight end while deciding to keep four quarterbacks.
But the surprise and concern of doing something silly with their QB surplus is fading, and the situation is already starting to work itself out. Andrew Berry announced the release of quarterback Tyler Huntley on Thursday morning. Huntley was an improbable former Pro Bowler back in 2022, when he led the Baltimore Ravens after Lamar Jackson went down with injury. The extreme athleticism and strong arm that Cleveland was fond of will surely land Huntley a new home quickly.
On top of Huntley’s release, the Browns also announced the signing of running back D’Onta Foreman to the 53-man roster, which resolves another huge issue. Berry wasn’t done just yet for the morning, however, as the eagerly-awaited restructuring of Deshaun Watson‘s contract was also announced. The move will save the team almost $36 million in cap space for 2024, giving the Browns a league-leading $62 million-plus to spend.
But let’s move our focus back to the quarterback room. It was no surprise that the Browns chose Dorian Thompson-Robinson over Huntley, as they drafted DTR just one year ago. The fifth-round rookie was forced onto the field last year in Week 4 against the elite Ravens defense, a matchup where he predictably struggled. Fans may have quickly soured on DTR, but he returned to the field in Week 11 and looked much better before suffering an injury the following week.
The Browns now have Watson, DTR, and Jameis Winston at quarterback, who have all proven to be capable starters when needed. Perhaps the best thing about this room is that each QB has a similar skill set. All three options are mobile and can make plays with their feet, but would prefer to buy time to throw the ball vs. tucking and running. It’s great when the offense doesn’t have to change completely when the backup or even third-stringer has to come in.
There were a lot of rumors in the last 24 hours that Berry might look to move Winston via trade. The potential thinking may have been to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on Watson, with a former No. 1 pick waiting in the wings. However, we didn’t really see signs of Watson feeling that heat, and there’s good reason for that. When you’re guaranteed to get $230 million whether you play a snap or not, how much pressure can one really feel?
Given the injury history that Watson has had over the last few years, having two solid backups is a phenomenal strategy. If you and your friends had to bet on a 16.5 over/under for Watson’s games played in 2024, it’s hard to see anyone talking themselves into hammering the over.
Remember, this offensive line is still piecemealed together, and we have yet to see Jedrick Wills or Jack Conklin practice on back-to-back days, let alone prove that they are ready to step onto an NFL field and block some of the best athletes in the world. Just last season, we saw the Browns start five different quarterbacks because of various injuries.
While there are still a few questions about the Browns’ depth at tight end and running back, as well as the health of their offensive tackles, at least we can say with confidence that the quarterback situation is handled. After a full offseason of hearing how great Watson has looked throwing the football, it’s finally time to prove it on the field. We are now just 10 short days away from seeing if all the good vibes come to fruition.
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