The Browns once considered drafting Mitch Trubisky. Would they take a chance on him as a free agent five years later? (USA Today)
#HeyTony: Would Mitch Trubisky be a quarterback of interest to the Browns?
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland.
Hey Tony: Why not bring in Mitch Trubisky to back up Baker [Mayfield]? He will be a free agent in March and will cost less than [Case] Keenum and will give Baker some competition. He’s bigger and more athletic, also.
-- D.Tron, Piqua, OH
Hey D.Tron: Although this probably would not be the Browns’ No. 1 option, I am not discounting it as a possibility. Numerous reports prior to the 2017 draft stated that Trubisky was the Browns’ preferred choice for the No. overall 1 pick of Paul DePodesta in 2017 – ahead of Myles Garrett. While Hue Jackson and Gregg Williams prevailed to make the choice Garrett, there was strong sentiment in the league that the Browns would trade up from their second first-round pick to still acquire Trubisky. That’s why the Bears traded up from No. 3 to No. 2 to avoid getting aced out by the Browns for Trubisky. If the Browns still like Trubisky – and Andrew Berry was alongside DePodesta at the time – they would be hoping Trubisky could push Mayfield to greater heights or even turn into the next Ryan Tannehill.
Hey Tony: Dislike the decision, but at least I can understand some logic to play Mayfield after he was cleared by Dr’s. However, I am perplexed by the fact they did not make necessary adjustments in play-calling based on his injuries. Can you provide any explanation?
-- Steve, Columbus, OH
Hey Steve: Sorry, I have no explanation. To me, this was Kevin Stefanski’s greatest failing in 2021. He continued to run his offense as if his quarterback was perfectly healthy. If he insisted on playing Mayfield, he should have compensated for his injuries by redirecting the offense to the running game and offensive line. I am baffled why that never happened. The team was 2-0 when he did it with Keenum at quarterback. It should have been 1-0 in the Nick Mullens start, except for the defensive lapse at the end of the Raiders’ game.
Hey Tony: Do you think [Jimmy] Haslam wants to give Baker a longer leash than AB and Stefanski?
-- Martin, Kansas City, MO
Hey Martin: Haslam has built a wall between himself and media since, oh, the FBI raid on his company in 2013. My guess is he has learned to entrust football decisions to his football experts.
Hey Tony: Do you think the Browns will keep Jarvis Landry? And do you think Baker Mayfield will look better next season?
-- Leslie, Minerva, OH
Hey Leslie: I think the Browns and Landry are heading toward an amicable parting. Yes, I think Mayfield will look better when he is totally healthy in 2022.
Hey Tony: What was the real reason for OBJ’s decline in Cleveland? A) Never wanted to be here from the trade? B) Lack of sync with Baker? C) Play calling?
-- Andy, Bordentown, NJ
Hey Andy: I will take the easy answer and say A, B and C. I’d have to say this was another failing of Stefanski – not being able to intercede and make it work between the two strong-minded personalities.
Hey Tony: Is there a jersey for Browns place-kickers and a jersey for Browns punters, similar to the Browns QB jersey?
-- John, Westlake, OH
Hey John: Hopefully, no one will make such a jersey. But if they did, the kicker jersey would include the names Billy Cundiff, Garrett Hartley, Travis Coons, Cody Parkey, Patrick Murray, Zane Gonzalez, Greg Joseph, Austin Seibert, Parkey (again), Chase McLaughlin, Chris Naggar. These are the would-be successors to the great Phil Dawson.
Hey Tony: Is there a top-flight DT the Browns should consider drafting in the NFL draft this year? Logan Hall from Houston seems like a good pick.
-- Jake, Houston, TX
Hey Jake: With only two defensive tackles under contract – Jordan Elliott and Tommy Togiai – I’m sure the Browns will use all avenues to fill out their depth chart at the position.
Hey Tony: Which wide receiver do you want in the draft?
-- Chris, Louisville, OH
Hey Chris: I reserve the right to change my mind, but right now I am all-in on Treylon Burks of Arkansas. He’s 6-3, 225 pounds and runs a 4.45 in the 40, and led the SEC with 22 plays of 20 yards or more in 2021. What’s not to like?
Hey Tony: Judging by Twitter, a lot of fans have given up on Austin Hooper and want him gone. Your thoughts please on his season, why he underperformed, and how he might bounce back (or not). Thanks.
-- Tom, Rockport, ME
Hey Tom: This can go either way, but I’m thinking the Browns give Hooper a third year. He’d cost $13.25 million if he stays and $11.25 million if he goes. David Njoku’s contract is up and I don’t think they want to leave themselves short-handed at tight end. Hooper’s game seems to have regressed in the Browns’ system. I’m not sure what’s going on there.
Hey Tony: Do you think the front office influenced lineup decisions on the offensive line this season (i.e., [Jedrick] Wills playing hurt, playing [James] Hudson on his own against TJ Watt)?
-- Deymond, Warner Robins, GA
Hey Deymond: Wills shouldn’t have played so soon after his ankle injury in Game 1. I don’t think the front office had anything to do with playing him. Same with not giving Hudson more help against Watt. That’s on the coaches.
Hey Tony: What are the chances of Marty Schottenheimer making the HOF?
-- John, North Canton, OH
Hey John: Schottenheimer (200-126-1) is the only NFL coach with 200 career victories not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His 5-13 record in the postseason is the reason why. That .278 win percentage in postseason is second-worst among coaches with at least 10 postseason games to Steve Owens (2-8). I think history will look fonder on Schottenheimer’s record over time.
