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2018 quarterback predictions: The biggest re-shuffling in NFL history

By Sayre Bedinger

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 17: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins throws the ball in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field on December 17, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 17: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins throws the ball in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field on December 17, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 17: AJ McCarron #5 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks to pass the ball in the fourth quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings on December 17, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 17: AJ McCarron #5 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks to pass the ball in the fourth quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings on December 17, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns had a deal in place to acquire A.J. McCarron from the Bengals at this year’s trade deadline, so the writing for this move is already on the wall.

The Browns have the draft capital to make this move happen, and they are also not going to be the top destination for quarterbacks hitting free agency.

McCarron is a sign-and-trade candidate this offseason as a restricted free agency, but the deal of a second round pick for him seems like it’s at least somewhat likely to still happen.

The Bengals having agreed to this trade once before maybe even diminishes McCarron’s value if other teams want to jump in on the action. They know the Bengals aren’t going to keep him around.

The Browns struggled through this season with DeShone Kizer, and they’re looking at other options as a result. McCarron, for whatever reason, is considered to be one of the top young veterans available.

If the Browns trade for McCarron, it takes them out of the running for Josh Rosen at the top of the draft in my opinion. I do think they will still look at the quarterbacks in this draft, attempting to find a long-term solution at the position.

Hue Jackson’s history with McCarron helps here, and he could yet convince new GM John Dorsey that this is the most wise plan of action going forward.

Prediction: Browns trade for McCarron, keep DeShone Kizer

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