The Cleveland Browns are facing a tough decision this offseason as they try to figure out their quarterback situation. With the addition of highly-touted quarterback Shedeur Sanders, the team may be looking to make some moves in order to solidify their depth at the position. One option that has been discussed is the possibility of trading one of their current quarterbacks.
This move may come as a surprise to some fans, but it could actually be a smart decision for the Browns. With the recent success of rookie quarterbacks in the league, it’s no secret that having a talented and capable young quarterback is crucial for a team’s success. Shedeur Sanders, the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, has all the potential to be a star in the league and the Browns are eager to give him the opportunity to develop and grow into a franchise quarterback.
But in order for this to happen, the Browns need to make room on their roster. Currently, they have three quarterbacks on the roster – Baker Mayfield, Case Keenum, and Garrett Gilbert. While Mayfield is the clear starter, Keenum and Gilbert are both capable backups. However, with the addition of Sanders, it may be wise for the Browns to trade one of these quarterbacks and acquire assets that can help the team in other areas.
Many fans may argue that Mayfield’s spot is safe and he should not be traded. And they are right, Mayfield has shown great potential and has improved each year since being drafted first overall in 2018. However, the Browns need to be strategic and make the tough decisions in order to build a strong and well-rounded team. And this means considering the possibility of trading Keenum or Gilbert.
Keenum has proven to be a reliable backup quarterback throughout his career, but at 33 years old, he may not have much left in the tank. On the other hand, Gilbert is still young and has potential, but he has yet to really make a mark in the league. By trading one of these quarterbacks, the Browns could potentially acquire draft picks or players that can help strengthen their defense or offensive line, areas that have been identified as areas of need for the team.
The Browns have already shown their willingness to make bold moves, as evidenced by their trade for star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. last year. This move paid off and helped propel the team to their first playoff appearance since 2002. With a young and talented core, the Browns are in a prime position to make a deep playoff run and trading a quarterback for other valuable assets could help them achieve this goal.
Furthermore, trading one of their quarterbacks could also free up some cap space for the Browns. With the salary cap expected to decrease due to the impact of the pandemic, teams will need to be smart about their spending. By trading a quarterback, the Browns could potentially save millions in cap space and use it to sign key players or extend the contracts of their young stars.
Of course, trading a quarterback is not an easy decision and it will surely be met with some backlash from fans. But the Browns need to think long-term and make moves that will benefit the team in the future. Shedeur Sanders may not be ready to start in the NFL just yet, but with the right guidance and development, he has the potential to be a franchise quarterback for the Browns. And by making the tough decision to trade a quarterback now, the team can ensure that they have a strong and deep roster to support their young quarterback in the years to come.
In conclusion, the Cleveland Browns are facing a tough decision this offseason as they look to figure out their quarterback situation. With the addition of Shedeur Sanders, the team may need to make room on their roster and one option that has been discussed is the possibility of trading one of their current quarterbacks. While this may not be a popular decision among fans, it could be a smart move for the team in the long run. With the right strategy and a strong core, the Browns can continue to build a competitive team and make a deep playoff run in the near future.
