Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry explained his thoughts on the decision to trade Joshua Dobbs to the Arizona Cardinals this preseason.
Dobbs, who has been the Cardinals’ starter while Kyler Murray rehabs from injury, has been one of the biggest surprises at quarterback in the NFL. The 1-3 Cardinals have been more competitive than many pundits thought was possible this season without Murray.
Dobbs is 87/123 passing for 814 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Dobbs’ play has made the Browns front office come under scrutiny for trading Dobbs and a 2024 seventh-round pick for a fifth-round pick.
![Cleveland Browns GM Sends Strong Message About Quarterback Trade (Report) 1 Sep 24, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass to wide receiver Amari Cooper (not pictured) during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/USATSI_21495869-300x200.jpg)
The Browns could have used Dobbs in Week 4 after Deshaun Watson was ruled out with an injury. The Baltimore Ravens blew out the Browns 28-3 as rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson had a forgettable day, throwing three interceptions.
Cleveland Browns GM defends trading Joshua Dobbs
![Cleveland Browns GM Sends Strong Message About Quarterback Trade (Report) 2 USATSI 21497956 168400517 lowres](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/USATSI_21497956_168400517_lowres-300x200.jpg)
Berry was asked this week about his feelings on the Dobbs trade after a month into the regular season. According to Michael David Smith of NBC Sports, Berry said the Browns made the decision in part because of what it would do for the team in the future.
“In terms of trading Josh, obviously we had a high opinion of Josh,” Berry said. “He had been here for two seasons. I’ve often talked up here about the general manager’s role having a foot in the present and a foot in the future.
That consideration, in that transaction, has elements of that. Thought it was the best decision. We’re really excited to work with Dorian and see him progress and develop. But thought it was the right move for the organization, both short and long term.”
Dobbs would have been helpful in the short term this season. So it looks like the Browns took a gamble that Thompson-Robinson will learn the offense quickly. Thompson-Robinson didn’t show that he could lead a team for a few games if Watson cannot play for a few games.
![Cleveland Browns GM Sends Strong Message About Quarterback Trade (Report) 3 Cleveland Browns Dorian Thompson-Robinson](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image-9-300x200.jpg)
That could reflect poorly on Berry this January if the Browns are unable to make the playoffs due to their backup quarterback situation.
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