The Cleveland Browns can likely cross off one quarterback from the list that they could pursue.
Cleveland has been linked to adding a quarterback to be the team’s starter, and the Browns will pursue several quarterbacks. Cleveland has been linked to multiple names in the draft, free agency, and through trade.
However, one name the Browns can likely cross off San Francisco 49ers‘ backup quarterback Mac Jones, as general manager John Lynch doubled down that the team won’t trade him.
“He’s really good for us and we value that. And so somebody would have to come with something fairly strong for us to consider (trading him),” Lynch said. “And then I don’t know what we do. Obviously there’s always something that would make you (do it), but I think we’re a better team with him on it and we just like having him around.”
Jones is in the final year of his two-year, $8.41 million deal with the 49ers. Although he will be highly sought in free agency, the 49ers appear ready to hold onto him to serve as insurance should Brock Purdy get injured.
Jones was a Pro Bowler in 2021 in his rookie season. The former first-round pick appeared in 11 games last season, throwing for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions.
Browns Keeping Options Open at QB
The NFL Draft Combine is underway, and Browns general manager Andrew Berry put the team’s quarterbacks on notice.
Berry made it clear that he will listen to any trades for quarterbacks and have some conversations about the market and draft.
“I’d say this, more generally with trades, I think you guys know I’m always super active,” Berry said from the combine on Tuesday. “Part of your job is to listen.”
Although Berry said he will listen to potential trades, the Browns general manager did have some kind words about Shedeur Sanders.
“The biggest thing that we want to see from Shedeur is just continued growth,” Berry said. “He grew a lot from start one to start seven. I think certainly playing more efficiently, not putting the ball in harm’s way as much would be important while maintaining the ability to produce out of structure and generate explosive plays.
“The biggest thing that he can do is learn the new offense, get in with the coaching staff once our offseason program starts. Continue to work on his body physically. And then make strides when we actually get on the grass (in May during organized team activities).”
Sanders finished the year as the Browns’ starting quarterback.
Deshaun Watson Could be X-Factor in QB Search
Although the Browns are searching for a quarterback, the team could look to Deshaun Watson as its starting quarterback.
Watson is healthy after rehabbing from his Achilles, and Berry said he expects the veteran to compete for the starting job.
“Any player on our roster we would want to compete,” Berry said. “We believe in competition at every spot. That’s no different at quarterback. Deshaun’s been working really hard, he’s been working his tail off. And like I said, we’re excited to go in April with all of our players across the roster because competition is something that we really believe in.”
Watson is in the final year of his five-year, $230 million deal.
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