Sad News: for the coach of Cleveland Browns…

The Cleveland Browns are likely to head into the 2024 season with two quarterbacks on the final 53-man roster and based on previous years they will have one on the practice squad. Teams will regularly have three in total as you want the cover from someone who knows the team and scheme because if a quarterback goes down injured you would only have a few days to get a backup ready. It is better to prepare a player in training camp than during the season after your starter gets hurt.

There is a chance they could keep three on the active roster if they decided they want to have a better backup for Watson than DTR. Considering Watson’s style of play and the chance of injury it could be one where they add a veteran who can step in and allow the team to continue a playoff run. Where most teams losing a quarterback would end their season, spending $50 million a year more than average on a team gives you a better roster than other teams.

These are players with less than three accrued seasons (6+ games on the roster) which means the team can retain them for the league minimum with no guarantees. These players can either sign it or retire, they have no negotiating power.

These are players with three accrued seasons which means a team can tender them, the money isn’t guaranteed, and other teams can then offer them contracts. The team owning their rights can match the deal to retain them or get the selected pick below by letting them walk. It is rare for teams to ever bid on these players.

Jack: I could see them make a move to bring PJ Walker back for training camp as the third quarterback. While people look at him and point out he isn’t good enough, they usually fail to notice that he is probably one of the best practice squad quarterbacks in the entire NFL. Having someone on your practice squad like PJ Walker who can step in as the backup should you get an injury is a good position to be in, I would be happy with him on the team for the next few years. If your backup quarterback is playing you are in a bad spot, if your third choice quarterback is out there then you’re screwed. Far too much interest is taken in third quarterbacks, it is just finding someone who can be a scout team and good for the locker room.

Jack: I really liked Jeff Driskel last offseason as their third quarterback option. I wonder if he has shown them enough in the last few weeks of the season to convince them that he can be the practice squad option next season. Where he is more mobile I think he would be a good option and my choice between him and Walker to be re-signed next season. I am not worried about chasing a UDFA, happy if one earns it but give me a proven third quarterback to lead the scout team rather than someone trying to learn the position.

 I think Stick will land on a team as a backup most likely so I don’t see him as someone the Cleveland Browns can get as a practice squad quarterback. If they carry three on the 53 man roster then it will be DTR backing up someone more experienced.