Browns roster needs a QB with HC Kevin Stefanski confirming one would be signed
The Cleveland Browns head into Week 8 preparations for the Baltimore Ravens knowing that QB Deshaun Watson will miss at least the rest of this season. QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson showed some positives in relief and veteran QB Jameis Winston could also start this week depending on DTR’s injury status.
Even if Thompson-Robinson is healthy enough to play this week, the Browns roster will need a third quarterback added. With the trade deadline looming, Winston could also be offloaded if the right offer comes along.
As expected, the free agent market is quite limited at the most important position on the field. Technically, because they can be signed to any 53-man roster they choose, practice squad quarterbacks can be considered free agents as well.
HC Kevin Stefanski said the team would need to bring in a quarterback this week:
The Browns will add a QB this week but Kevin Stefanski was unsure if it will be to the active roster or 53-man roster.
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) October 21, 2024
Here are eight options to add to Cleveland’s roster, in no particular order:
Ryan Tannehill
Especially if Winston is available via trade, Tannehill makes a lot of sense. The Browns can go back to a more zone-scheme, play-action offense that Tannehill has a lot of experience with and could help steady the ship a bit if DTR can’t play or struggles. The veteran has held out for a chance to start, could he be this year’s Joe Flacco?
Kellen Mond and P.J. Walker
Pairing these two together as former Cleveland quarterbacks who would be ready to help, at least in practice, with their experience with the team.
Desmond Ridder
A former third-round pick who hasn’t been able to put it together, Ridder has some athleticism and upside. Currently, on the Arizona Cardinals practice squad, Ridder would need to be signed to the active roster.
Update: According to reports, Ridder signed with the Las Vegas Raiders Monday afternoon.
CJ Beathard
With 32 games of experience, including 13 starts, Beathard has had a few workouts over the last couple of months. Last year, with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Beathard played in seven games including one start. He completed 76% of his passes with one touchdown and no interceptions on 53 attempts.
A.J. McCarron
Every Browns fan knows this name well and immediately will think of Hue Jackson, Sashi Brown and a fax machine. McCarron led the St. Louis Battlehawks this season, leading them to the playoffs, before injuring his ankle which required surgery. He spoke emotionally after that loss:
McCarron last played in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2023 when he completed four of five passes.
Bailey Zappe
One of Tom Brady’s potential replacements is on the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad. Like Ridder, Zappe has experience but completed just under 60% of his passes last year and would require a 53-man roster spot.
Mike White
From electrifying New York Jets fans to the Buffalo Bills practice squad in just a few years, White has had his ups and downs. Last year he attempted six passes with the Miami Dolphins after seven starts over two seasons with the Jets.
One potential starter/solid backup in Tannehill then a bunch of third-string guys, who would you like the Browns to bring in to complete their QB trio? Share your thoughts, or other options, in the comments section below
