QB trade rumors featuring Jeremy Fowler suggesting potential transaction for the Browns
The Cleveland Browns find themselves in a tricky spot with their quarterback scenario. With Deshaun Watson out for the 2025 season due to an injury setback, the Browns are left with a heated competition among Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders for the starting position. But can all four quarterbacks make the final roster?
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Browns might contemplate trading one of their numerous quarterbacks.
"Pay Close Attention: The Browns evaluate their roster through the lens of value and currency, which at least one source pointed out could lead to a potential trade if injuries occur across the league," Fowler wrote. "Cleveland traded a third-rounder and two fifth-rounders for Gabriel, Sanders, and veteran Kenny Pickett (from the Eagles). Perhaps the Browns could get a pick back for one of them."
This idea from Fowler feels plausible.
The Browns won't carry four quarterbacks on their final roster. If they cut ties with one quarterback, trading him is the smartest move.
Surprisingly, the 40-year-old Joe Flacco could be the most attractive trade bait. Flacco showed in 2023 that he's still got the arm, proving to be a veteran starter.
Perhaps the Browns will wait to see if any quarterbacks get injured during training camp or the preseason. Should that occur, they'd be poised to ship off one of their QBs and potentially receive something in return.
The Browns were perplexed that nobody anticipated them drafting Dillon Gabriel in the third round
Tomy Brady reached out to Shedeur Sanders during the NFL Draft slideRobert Griffin III criticizes the Browns for their chaotic QB situationBrowns stir controversy with their selection of Dillon GabrielWhat number will Shedeur Sanders, Browns QBs don?
The Browns didn't expect to draft Dillon Gabriel so effortlessly.
Fowler revealed that Cleveland had high regard for Gabriel throughout the pre-draft process.
"Some teams tipped me off before the draft that Cleveland really liked him, presumably as a Day 3 pick," Fowler added. "That he went in the third round was a bit of a shock, but Browns sources tell me the earlier selection of Jalen Milroe by Seattle did not deter Cleveland - they were taking Gabriel at No. 94 regardless."
The Browns expected more NFL teams, or the media, to catch on to their interest in Gabriel after inviting him in for a visit.
"The Browns were also taken aback when their research on Gabriel didn't receive more attention from the media. Gabriel visited the team on the same day as more high-profile quarterbacks Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders. Gabriel is small, but he's a capable quarterback. Teams were slightly higher on Gabriel than outside draft experts were."
The Browns are likely to give Gabriel a fair chance in 2025, whether as a backup or a starter, if they're so enamored with him.
We can't wait to witness the drama during Cleveland's training camp this summer.
Additional Insights:
- Quarterback Depth: The Browns are anticipated to have three quarterbacks on their 53-man roster for the 2025 season[1]. This depth could suggest they might not feel immediate pressure to trade for or away from their current quarterback setup.
- Roster Predictions: While there is speculation about possible trades and roster adjustments, there is currently no concrete evidence of significant quarterback changes through trades[1][2].
- Franchise QB Speculation: Some speculation swirls around whether the Browns already have their franchise quarterback on the roster, which could impact trade decisions[2].
- Future Planning: The team is considering future roster predictions and contract analyses, which may affect how they manage their quarterback position over the next few years[1].
In conclusion, while there is speculation and the possibility of change, there is no solid indication that the Browns are likely to trade one or more of their quarterbacks before the start of the upcoming season. Trades are always possible, but the current depth and roster predictions suggest stability at the quarterback position for now.
Despite the Browns having a heated competition among Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders for the starting quarterback position, it's unlikely they will carry four quarterbacks on their final roster. If they choose to cut ties with one quarterback, trading him would be the smartest move. Surprisingly, Joe Flacco could be the most attractive trade bait due to his veteran experience and performance in 2023. The Browns were perplexed that nobody anticipated them drafting Dillon Gabriel in the third round, as they had high regard for him throughout the pre-draft process. They were also taken aback when their research on Gabriel didn't receive more attention from the media. The team is likely to give Gabriel a fair chance in 2025, whether as a backup or a starter, if they're so enamored with him.
[1] - https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/35039476/browns-projected-carry-three-quarterbacks-53-man-roster-2025-season[2] - https://www.clevelandmagazine.com/front-row/articles/browns-quarterback-roster-analysis-2025-draft-outlook-projections
