What will the Browns do with the QB position if Deshaun Watson is suspended for 8 games?
There are options in the market that range frome ‘makes sense’ to ‘roster changing,’ but the first question is how long will Watson’s suspension be?
With a suspension all but assured for their starting quarterback, the Browns have some decisions to make about how they will cover his absence.
What options do the Cleveland Browns have at QB?
It won’t be long now, before the Cleveland Browns have a clearer understanding of their 2022 season as an announcement regarding the length of quarterback Deshaun Watson’s suspension is expected soon. The general feeling, is that a suspension is inevitable, but just how long it will be remains up in the air. Needless to say, the length will have a major effect on the Browns’ season and potentially their roster as well. If it proves to be lengthy, expect the Browns to acquire an additional backup QB to play behind current backup, Jacoby Brissett.
At present, Brissett is on Cleveland’s roster courtesy of a one-year deal that will earn him $4.65 million. To be clear, almost all of that money is guaranteed, with the Browns having had to shop for a credible backup when they originally traded for Watson. Given that a suspension was always going to be likely, the Browns have seemingly set their minds to increasing their chances of winning during Watson’s absence. Should Watson’s suspension be extensive e.g., eight games or more, it’s highly likely they will seek to retool. If it’s the entire year that he’s suspended for then they will have no choice but to build for the following season. Aside from the aforementioned Brissett, there is also Josh Dobbs, however, Dobbs has faced no meaningful snaps during his time with the franchise and as such would be a risk if Brissett were to be injured.
Could the Browns turn to Jimmy Garoppolo?
An interesting option that has been mentioned as an alternative for Cleveland is that of the San Francisco 49ers’ Jimmy Garoppolo. The tricky aspect of such a move would be in the cost. On the one side, Garoppolo wouldn’t require a great deal of draft compensation, but on the other his salary would be prohibitive. Garoppolo is set to make nearly $27 million in 2022 under his current contract. A trade under such circumstances would be ideal for the 49ers, but terrible for the Browns. If a deal is struck, it will likely be the result of the 49ers cutting Garoppolo in which case they would only have to pay the $1.4 million cap hit. It goes without saying, that were the Browns to acquire San Francisco’s QB, not only would it cost more than Brisett’s salary, but they would have to consider what kind of issues starting him could cause later down the road.
What makes most sense for the Browns?
It’s important to consider the context here. The Browns are currently paying Baker Mayfield $10.5 million to play for another team this coming season. The smart thing to do, would be for Cleveland to zero in on their cap space situation. There will soon be a number of contract extensions to negotiate and it has to be said: there are cheaper QBs out there on the market than Garoppolo such as free agents like Cam Newton, A.J. McCarron or Garrett Gilbert. Yes, it’s true that Brissett has never had health issues, such that one might be wondering why all the talk of alternatives, but the reality is he’s inexperienced in the AFC North and quite frankly, one can’t predict injuries.
Ultimately, this will all come down to just how long Watson’s suspension actually is. With the announcement coming in the next few weeks, all we can do for the moment is wait and watch. As for the Browns, they’ve got to be planning out some kind of course of action. Their season depends on it.