The Quarterbacks Cleveland Should Consider
Aug 26, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Markus Bailey (51) pressures Washington Commanders quarterback Jacoby Brissett (12) during the first half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Despite a 4-2 start to the season, the Cleveland Browns have a problem with their 230 million-dollar quarterback, Deshaun Watson. He looks like a shell of himself since arriving in Cleveland. Whether the disparity is from a loss of confidence or the injury to his rotator cuff, it is concerning.
Despite clearing concussion protocol in his return against the Indianapolis Colts, head coach Kevin Stefanski decided to leave Watson on the bench stating, “Just felt like the right thing in that moment was to hold him out of that game.”
Watson didn’t attempt a single pass on the sidelines, citing difficulty lifting his right arm.
While there is a chance the Browns continue to run PJ Walker while they wait for Watson to recover, they should weigh all available options.
Some quarterbacks they should consider are:
Jacoby Brissett
The option fans would want the most. Brissett filled in admirably last season when Watson served his suspension, and his familiarity with the organization would allow him to start at once.
However, the Browns would have to pry him away from the Commanders who, at the moment, do not have another quarterback on their roster. Given how many times Sam Howell has been sacked this season, they may be reluctant to part with such a competent backup quarterback.
Case Keenum
Cleveland could also look to another former teammate in Case Keenum. He’s currently buried behind CJ Stroud and Davis Mills on the Texans’ depth chart, and likely wouldn’t cost more than a late-round pick for the Browns to acquire.
His familiarity with head coach Kevin Stefanski from their time together in Minnesota would also grant him some familiarity with the playbook, allowing him to step in on short notice.
Cam Newton
While Cam Newton is no longer the MVP-caliber player he was in his prime, he still has something left. The last time Newton played football was an awful situation with Carolina under Matt Rhule, a coach proven to be less than competent.
The Browns’ superior coaching, better skill positions, and offensive line provide an environment where Newton could work, while his legs give them options few quarterbacks bring to the table.
The Browns could still use Newton when Watson recovers. Newton’s size would be a blessing in short yard situations if the Browns become more cautious with Watson on his return.
Carson Wentz
Wentz, much like Newton, is a shell of what he used to be. Since tearing his ACL, he hasn’t recaptured the magic of his 2017 season and his once-promising career evaporated into that of a journeyman.
Despite that, Wentz has been a starter more recently than most of the options on this list, and would have no trouble getting back into the role in a few weeks if asked.
Josh Dobbs
Another former Brown, Dobbs departed from the organization twice in the span of two years. His trade to the Arizona Cardinals in the preseason looks like a massive blunder, but with the return of Kyler Murray, the Browns have a chance to correct the mistake.
Playing for Arizona, Dobbs is a competent starter on an offense devoid of talent, his performance surprising many. Though it would cost more to get him back, if Watson is sidelined for longer than expected, the Browns should bite the bullet and make it happen.
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