Former No. 2 Pick Floated as QB Target for Browns - Sport News

Former No. 2 Pick Floated as QB Target for Browns

The Cleveland Browns are in the market for a veteran backup quarterback and Marcus Mariota is a name the team could investigate.

Mariota is a free agent after spending last season with the Philadelphia Eagles. He’s bounced around since leaving the Tennessee Titans, also spending time with the Atlanta Falcons and the Las Vegas Raiders.

Kevin Stefanski and the Cleveland Browns will be in the market for a veteran QB like Marcus Mariota this offseason.

Mariota, 30, didn’t play any meaningful snaps with the Eagles last season. However, his resume could make him a valuable option to call upon in a pinch. Mariota has started 74 games in his career, passing for 93 touchdowns and 55 interceptions. He knows how to take care of the ball, which wasn’t always a priority for the Browns’ backup passers last season. The Browns led the league with 37 turnovers last season — 23 interceptions and 14 fumbles.

Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com included Mariota in the list of veterans the Browns could pursue this offseason to sit behind Deshaun Watson.

“Cleveland-native Mitch Trubisky is a free agent and was coveted by this front office in the 2017 draft. Marcus Mariota also fits the price point and skill set,” Cabot wrote.

Browns Want to Add Depth Behind Deshaun Watson

Marcus Mariota played sparingly for the Eagles last season as Jalen Hurts' backup.

Mariota’s one-year deal last season with the Eagles was for $5 million. Something close to that number is something the Browns could afford as they look to bolster their QB depth. During his end-of-season press conference, Cleveland’s general manager Andrew Berry made it clear that he wants to carry three quarterbacks next season.

“I think it’s fair to say that we’ll have three quarterbacks on the roster,” Berry said on January 22. “What that looks like can be a little bit variable just based on how the marketplace bears out.”

Watson is expected to start throwing this month as the next step in his recovery from season-ending shoulder surgery. He doesn’t have a history of missing time but there’s some uncertainty returning from such a serious injury.

“We’d all love to have him on the field more often. I think that’s safe to say, himself included,” Berry said of Watson. “I do feel really good about him, happy with the progress that he’s made within our organization, both on the field and off the field, and we’re looking forward to getting him back next year. We think he’s going to have a really big year and have a ton of confidence in him as our starting quarterback.”

Browns Want Joe Flacco Back After Successful Stint

The Browns would like Joe Flacco to return next season.

Names like Jacoby Brissett, Trubisky and Maritoa have been mentioned as potential targets. But the Browns’ preference would be getting Joe Flacco to return for another season.

Flacco is set to hit free agency after a successful stint with the Browns. He was signed by the Browns on November 20 and went 4-1 in his regular season starts. Flacco passed for 1,616 yards and 13 touchdowns.

There’s mutual interest in a reunion but Flacco is expected to gauge the market before committing to the Browns.

“I’m going to take my time as always, but it was one of the best experiences of my life,” Flacco told cleveland.com. “I love it there, so definitely want to (come back).”

Flacco is expected to have a few suitors as a free agent, including the New England Patriots. He’s seeking a situation where he can compete for a starting role.

Related Posts

Eagles can’t resist Texas speedster in latest mock draft

Xavier Worthy to the Eagles? It may seem far-fetched, but as the 2024 NFL Draft draws closer, some see the lightning-fast wide receiver wearing midnight green next…

Vikings Urged to Sign Rival $20 Million Pro Bowl Playmaker

The Minnesota Vikings are positioned to make dramatic improvements to their defense in 2024 but still have questions at cornerback that Stephon Gilmore could solve. The Athletic’s…

Buccaneers Announce Dates for Offseason Program

The offseason doesn’t last very long in the NFL and it’s almost time for teams to get back to work, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers…

Broncos head coach Sean Payton tries to make it seem like their situation is much better than what it is

With everything the Denver Broncos have done in the last eight years, especially the last two years, it’s safe to say they are a team that needs…

Chiefs Named Top Team Fit for ‘Polished and Explosive’ Route-Runner

The Kansas City Chiefs addressed the wide receiver position in free agency by signing Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, but that might not stop them from doubling down at…

Report details Browns’ feelings on Deshaun Watson’s injury recovery

The Cleveland Browns are optimistic that quarterback Deshaun Watson will be ready for Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season. He is coming off what Mary Kay…