Browns backup quarterback shuffle

The Cleveland Browns made a few moves regarding the quarterbacks behind Deshaun Watson Thursday. It started with the Browns waiving Kellen Mond in the morning before they decided to change course.

Cleveland agreed to a trade that sent Josh Dobbs to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for a 2024 fifth-round selection. This was the third and final trade made by a very busy Cardinals team that day. For the Browns, getting something for a player in Dobbs, who at best would be Watson’s backup and at worst a possible cut candidate down the line is an excellent return.

This deal between Cleveland and Arizona came after head coach Kevin Stefanski named Dobbs as the second quarterback on the depth chart. Getting a draft pick that does not come from the final two rounds is a massive win for Cleveland.

The Browns decided to revoke the waiver placement of Mond and keep him on the roster. Mond will be the third-string quarterback in Cleveland with rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson taking over as Watson’s primary backup. DTR has been outstanding during the preseason and has earned a spot on this roster. Being next in line behind Watson does seem a bit aggressive, but there is not a better option now that Dobbs is gone.

The only perplexing part of the moves made by the Browns Thursday is that Mond is still on the team. Mond is not good and a waste of a roster spot. There are zero redeemable qualities about his play at the quarterback position, and his continued presence on the team is questionable at best. It is understandable to have three quarterbacks on the depth chart now that the rules allow for that. There has to be someone who will be available between now and roster cutdown day that is significantly more appealing.