The Cleveland Browns are reportedly exploring options to trade one of their quarterbacks in the preseason. The Browns traded for Nick Harris earlier in the preseason, but Cleveland could potentially use a trade to add more depth to the offensive line as two players up front battle injuries in training camp.
The Browns have four quarterbacks on their depth chart heading into the last week of training camp. Deshaun Watson is the presumptive starter. In free agency this spring, the Browns signed Jameis Winston as Watson’s backup. Second-year quarterback and 2023 fifth-round pick Dorian Thompson-Robinson is battling Tyler Huntley for the QB3 job.
The deadline for the Browns to trim their roster to 53 players is Aug. 27.
The Cleveland Browns have discussed a potential trade
According to Zac Johnson with The Athletic, the Browns discussed the potential trade of Thompson-Robinson with multiple teams:
“Though a league source said the Browns have been willing to engage in discussions about moving Thompson-Robinson with teams looking to bolster their quarterback rooms, it’s unclear if Cleveland is close to a deal.”
Dorian Thompson-Robinson could fetch the Browns an OL
Johnson thinks that the Browns would likely try to trade Thompson-Robinson in exchange for offensive line help:
“‘It’s possible that the Browns could try to use Thompson-Robinson as a trade piece to help them acquire an experienced offensive lineman — or an experienced player at another position — ahead of the Aug. 27 deadline to cut rosters to the regular-season size of 53. Longtime Browns starting offensive tackles Jedrick Wills Jr. and Jack Conklin remain on the physically unable to perform list with knee injuries”
Thompson-Robinson made three starts with the Browns in 2023
Thompson-Robinson saw action during his rookie year, as Watson dealt with a shoulder injury off-and-on through the 2023 season. He appeared in eight games and started in three games. He went 1-2 as a starter. He was 60/112 passing for 440 yards, one touchdown, and four interceptions last season.
Thompson-Robinson suffered a concussion during a November game against the Denver Broncos. The Browns made Joe Flacco the permanent starter for the rest of the season and postseason.
Thompson Robinson is 27/35 passing for 260 yards and one interception in the preseason.
Most NFL teams aren’t quarterback-needy at this point in the preseason. However, the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills are dealing with significant injuries to their backup quarterbacks, with J.J. McCarthy out for the season and Mitch Trubisy dealing with injuries, respectively.
The Los Angeles Chargers or San Francisco 49ers could potential trade options for the Browns. Both of those teams have relatively weak options at the backup quarterback position.
Because of the Aug. 27 roster trimming deadline, the Browns have a week to complete a deal.
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