There is a new backup quarterback in Cleveland. The Browns have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with free-agent quarterback Jameis Winston. The deal is worth up to $8l7 million, according to one report.
This deal manages to do two things. First off, it solidifies the backup quarterback position behind Deshaun Watson. As everyone saw last season, the Browns entered the year without an adequate backup, and they paid for it most of the year. Secondly, it closes the door on a potential Joe Flacco return. There was previously reported mutual interest in a return, but Cleveland has chosen to go in a different direction by signing Winston. Flacco remains a free agent while the Browns have their new primary backup.
- Feed has no items.
It appears the Browns coaching staff and front office have learned from their mistakes regarding the quarterback deep entering last season. Cleveland chose not to have a competent backup for Deshaun Watson by going with a combination of PJ Walker and Dorian Thompson-Robinson. A few weeks of their abilities on display is what eventually led to the Browns signing Flacco off the street. Flacco was infinitely better than Walker and Thompson-Robinson almost immediately, further exposing the error in their ways. The good news is that they are not going down that same road again by ensuring that there is a quality backup quarterback on the roster.
Winston has shown in the past that he can be one of the better quarterbacks in the league. Winston has also proven to be a complete liability by throwing the most interceptions in a season since 1988-89. Settling into a backup role seems appropriate for Winston at this time. Winston could even see an extended look this season if Watson is injured or plays poorly again.