Cleveland Browns: Colin Kaepernick the Answer at Quarterback
By Dan Salem
The Cleveland Browns must improve at the quarterback position, but drafting a rookie in the first round is not the answer. Trade for Kaepernick and add a spark to this talented team.
We’re tackling each team in the league, traveling alphabetically to debate their biggest offseason issues. Dan Salem and Todd Salem debate in today’s NFL Sports Debate. Two brothers from New York yell, scream, and debate sports.
TODD:
The Cleveland Browns have a number of issues facing them this offseason, not the least of which way be at the ownership level. But a change there can’t exactly be addressed in the draft.
In terms of a football roster, the Browns have enough work as it is. A major decision is coming in regards to former star wide receiver Josh Gordon. The defense has holes, including that of the departing Tashaun Gipson at safety. But everything else pales in comparison to the hole that remains at the quarterback position for Cleveland.
What do the Browns do at quarterback?
Veterans Josh McCown and Austin Davis will still be around for 2016. McCown was paid a pretty hefty sum to come here in the first place. The team will almost assuredly draft a quarterback with their first-round pick in the 2016 draft as well, the second overall selection.
Whether that pick ends up being Carson Wentz or Jared Goff doesn’t much matter. The question remains, is that quarterback situation viable to move forward with, or is another move also in order?
As a hypothetical Browns fan, considering the alternatives are not abundant, how would you feel about entering the season with McCown and Davis battling for a Week 1 start and one of the rookies learning, preparing to take the reins?
I don’t mind Davis or McCown as a backup, however I am not sold on this rookie class of quarterbacks. In my mind, it would be more enticing to see Cleveland go out and spend on Brock Osweiler, and use that first draft pick on Joey Bosa or a real asset elsewhere on the roster.
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I know Osweiler is considered the best free agent quarterback available now, but why shouldn’t the Browns want the top guy? What do the Browns have to lose by making some absolutely ridiculous offer? It’s not like they can lose respect around the league.
If Osweiler passes on Cleveland (which he absolutely should), then the first plan is still in play. That’s why it helps to have free agency begin so far ahead of the draft.
DAN:
I’m not sure when all of the hope got sucked out of the Cleveland Browns, but it wasn’t very long ago that this team showed promise. It still has talent, but without a reliable starting quarterback they can’t pass the Steelers, Ravens and Bengals in the division. Time to go shopping.
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Drafting a quarterback is imperative, but I’m not convinced that taking said player second overall is the right move. Get the most talented player available and build around your future signal caller, whomever he may be. Then draft a quarterback in round two or three. Without a standout QB in the draft, some of them will be available. So who leads the Browns’ offense next season? I’m going out on a limb here, but its a very thick branch. Colin Kaepernick should be there primary target.
Cousins got franchised by Washington and wasn’t worth the price tag in the first place. Osweiler is an excellent option, but Denver would be crazy to let him slip away. Peyton Manning will also be available, since all reports indicate he wants to keep playing. Adding Manning would be good for Cleveland, but not for Peyton. That won’t happen. What can happen is a trade for Kaepernick, who desperately wants out of San Francisco.
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Colin Kaepernick is a playmaker, stuck in a rut on a team who’s forgotten him. He would make Cleveland interesting immediately and the combo of Kaepernick to Gordon is an enticing one. He’s no more than a three year answer, giving a rookie development time without being stuck on the bench forever. I love McCown and Davis as backups, but neither has shown the star power to consistently win. McCown is likely the odd man out, but who cares. Kaepernick makes this team better, fun, and a contender once again.