The Cleveland Browns are facing a major issue that should result in a much different approach for the remainder of the season. That issue? The quarterback position.
Cleveland is in quarterback limbo, as the status of Deshaun Watson continues to lack any sort of clarity. Watson attempted to return in last week’s win over Indianapolis, but it was more than clear that he was not quite ready to return to the field. Watson would be removed from the game, forcing P.J. Walker into action yet again. With Watson’s shoulder continuing to be an issue and subpar quarterback play from Walker, the Browns must change their approach.
Cleveland must operate under the assumption that Watson will not be available to them for the rest of the season.
Here is the reality of the situation. Watson’s shoulder injury is more than likely going to be an issue until next season. With that in mind, the Browns must adjust their rest-of-season plan for the quarterback position. Continuing to operate with the assumption that Watson will definitively be a meaningful contributor is not a wise decision. Additionally, what they have gotten out of Walker has not been NFL-caliber. Taking both of these things into account, Cleveland must adjust their plan rather than stand pat. That adjustment? Planning as if Watson is not an option.
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There is a second part to this adjusted approach, bringing another quarterback into the mix. Cleveland can no longer operate with Walker being the primary alternative to Watson. While Dorian Thompson-Robinson is on the roster, he is not a viable option currently. Perhaps there will come a time when Thompson-Robinson can be Cleveland’s backup, but it is not going to happen this season. With that being considered, the Browns must find a quarterback who can provide better production if needed.
The trade deadline is 4 P.M. on Tuesday, giving the Browns limited time to make a trade. A potential reunion with Jacoby Brissett would make a lot of sense for Cleveland. Brissett played at a much higher level than anyone could have anticipated last season, and his services could certainly be used again.
If the Browns are not able to land Brissett, they may have to explore the free-agent market. The problem with that proposition is that there is a reason why these players remain unsigned as November is about to begin. If Cleveland is not able to find a viable option to back up Watson, it may be only a matter of time before their season goes by the wayside.