The Cleveland Browns may add more competition for Shedeur Sanders.
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The Cleveland Browns may add more competition for Shedeur Sanders.
Shedeur Sanders may have some new competition for the Cleveland Browns starting quarterback job soon.
The Browns have yet to add another passer to a room that currently includes Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Deshaun Watson. But general manager Andrew Berry made it clear at the NFL owners meetings in Phoenix that the door remains open. Berry indicated the team would likely “lean” younger if it adds another quarterback. And whoever that is would be expected to compete for the starting job.
“I think it’s wholly realistic. In terms of them competing for the starting job, anyone we bring in, we want to compete,” Berry said. “But a large part of that will be, for any young player, will depend on their acclamation to the NFL and their readiness to play, and that’s really done on a case by case basis.”
The most notable name linked to the Browns in Alabama is prospect Ty Simpson. Berry declined to provide much insight into Cleveland’s evaluation of Simpson.
“In terms of Ty specifically, I think you can understand we wouldn’t necessarily comment on specific prospects. I have spent time with Ty. I think that’s obvious and we’ll continue to do so,” Berry said. “But I think he has a bright NFL future.”
Browns Decline to Back Shedeur Sanders as Starter
As it pertains to the looming quarterback battle that includes Sanders, Watson and Gabriel, Berry made it clear that no decisions have been made.
“I’d say as we sit here on March 29, and nobody has touched the grass, nobody has really worked with our coaching staff, I wouldn’t handicap it for anyone. I think everyone in that room deserves opportunity,” Berry said. “And so we’ll certainly know a lot more as we get to the spring. We’ll know even more as we get to camp. But I think honestly, we wouldn’t be doing the right thing for the team, We wouldn’t be doing the right thing for that position if we didn’t go in with it eyes wide open.”
It’s largely been framed as a two-horse race between Watson and Sanders. While Watson enters the final year of his contract, Berry reiterated that his contract status won’t factor into the decision.
“I think we’re probably just more focused on performance and the best players. Certainly, time horizon factors into that, but just with any veteran player, there’s no rule against extending the player’s contract if they perform and they do well,” Berry said. “So I wouldn’t necessarily box it into any one approach. It really will be performance-based.”
Browns Proud of Rebuilt Offensive Line in Free Agency
Whoever ends up starting at quarterback will have a rebuilt offensive line to play behind. The Browns made multiple key additions in free agency, including Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins. Cleveland also traded for former Texans tackle Tytus Howard.
“Good so far, obviously still a lot of work to be done. I think, as we look specifically at that offensive line group, good players, but also very versatile. And particularly like with Elgton and Tytus,” Berry said. “Both of those guys are players who can play at a quality starting level, at both positions across the offensive line. And that’s super helpful because it really is a war of attrition with that position group.
“I think something we looked at it as either 23 or 24 teams last year played less than 50% with their starting five. Of course, we were one of them. And so to have that resiliency built into a position group where you have guys that can start all across the line of scrimmage, it’s really important, in addition to the flexibility it gives you going into the draft.”
The Browns’ offense is expected to look markedly different under new head coach Todd Monken, who was brought in for his offensive acumen. But the transformation starts up front, where Cleveland has made a concerted effort to bolster its protection.