Cleveland Browns Might Go Cheap Route At Quarterback

The Cleveland Browns have more than enough ammunition to make a splash at quarterback, but could they be aiming for a cheaper option?

Why would do that is the question. Simple logic. This team went 1-15 in 2016. It’s a long way off from being a contender and needed as much talent as they can get their hands on. So rather than packaging a number of their top draft choices for somebody like Jimmy Garoppolo, isn’t it wiser to seek out a bargain and use those picks to fill out the roster? That seems to be the case with rumors growing that Cleveland may try to make a run at A.J. McCarron.

It shouldn’t be a surprise. Head coach Hue Jackson was offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals when McCarron was drafted. The familiarity is deep. McCarron is a big, strong, smart and competitive young man. He doesn’t make a lot of mistakes with the football and has shown he can make some big plays when asked. Some call him a game manager, but the Browns could frankly use somebody like that at this point.

Daniel Jeremiah talked with an executive about the trade possibilities. Namely would he take Garoppolo or McCarron if given the choice. His answer was rather eye-opening.

"“I wouldn’t feel good about making a major commitment to any of these quarterbacks. If I had to choose one, I would go after McCarron. Ideally, you get him for a late second- or early third-round pick. Then, if it doesn’t work out, you draft a QB in 2018.”"

Another one stated his main target would be Kirk Cousins but that he’d also favor McCarron over Garoppolo in a face-off between the two.

"“My first option would be to find a way to get Kirk Cousins. I think there’s a big dropoff after him, including college and pro options. If I couldn’t land Cousins, I’d target AJ McCarron over Jimmy Garoppolo.”"

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The primary reason for this being that Cincinnati can’t possibly drive the price higher than a 2nd round pick for him. Not since McCarron is a former 5th round pick and has limited starting experience in his career to this point. Then there is also the lingering reality that McCarron will be a free agent in 2018. The odds of him staying with the team by that point are remote. Not with Andy Dalton in place and a chance to seek out a possible starting job elsewhere.

So the Bengals have a decision to make. Recoup a high draft choice for a quarterback who hardly plays for them or keep him around because they like him. Common business sense says it’s a no brainer. The only big hurdle is whether they’d be willing to trade within the division to Cleveland. Such trades are extremely rare and almost never involve quarterbacks. This would be sort of unprecedented.

Then again if Cleveland offers one of their 2nd round picks, likely a higher price than any other team will pay, it will be difficult to turn down. Sure there’s a risk that McCarron ends up being pretty good, but then again the young man could simply go there in 2018 to rejoin Hue Jackson anyway. Might as well get something in return for it.

Cleveland meanwhile keeps both of their 1st rounder for other positions and still has another 2nd to do with as they please. For a rebuilding team this isn’t such a bad plan.

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