Jacoby Brissett could parlay a decent 11 games as Browns starter into a bridge quarterback role in free agency.
Browns now can be bystanders as the NFL quarterback carousel spins
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.
As the NFL quarterback carousel starts to spin, signalling the beginning of the 2023 transaction season, the good news for the Browns is they are not a participant.
The Browns have Deshaun Watson for another four years.
The ceiling of this Jimmy Haslam business decision of 2022 is higher than the franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance. The Haslam Sports Group would parlay the cache of that historical milestone to become a major player in Cleveland lakefront development, with a new Browns dome stadium as the centerpiece.
Considering all that, you might appreciate why Haslam’s fully guaranteed $230 million investment in Watson’s five-year contract could, theoretically, be considered a bargain.
But if the Browns don’t reach a Super Bowl in that time, the price of six draft picks, including three No. 1s, will set the franchise back immeasurably.
As you can see, these quarterback decisions are franchise-changing – sometimes market-changing. Browns fans are fortunate to be bystanders in this year’s carousel.
The quarterback carousel, however, will affect the landscape of the 2023 NFL season, and could have an impact on the Browns’ season.
So let’s take a look at the major players and where they might land.
Lamar Jackson
The Baltimore Ravens’ quarterback wants a Watson-model fully guaranteed contract. The Ravens won’t do it. The Ravens can franchise tag Jackson for $32.416 million and reserve the right to match an offer or receive two first-round picks in compensation. Or they can use the exclusive tag, which could exceed $45 million – the value is fluid -- and guarantee Jackson another year in Baltimore. Either way, the Jackson contract issue is a direct result of the Watson transaction of last March and reverberate with the Ravens, and the AFC North division, for years to come.
Aaron Rodgers
The Green Bay Packers quarterback, 39, is completing a “darkness retreat,” after which he will decide if he wants to retire and give up about $100 million in guarantees, or move on and play with another team. It’s not hard to predict this outcome. Rodgers will want to see the money entitled to him. The Packers reportedly want to turn over the team to reserve quarterback Jordan Love. A trade of Rodgers is inevitable. The Jets and Raiders are the logical contenders, but a surprise third team could come into play. It’s most likely the Packers will trade Rodgers to an AFC team.
Derek Carr
A very likeable 9-year veteran who is a reliable and durable starter could command a $40 million-a-year contract. And yet …? One post-season appearance in his career, and he did not perform to franchise-quarterback caliber standards. Still, Carr would be an upgrade on several QB-needy teams. He may be the Jets’ fallback candidate if they don’t land Rodgers. After the Jets, Carr likely fits with the Saints, Colts, Commanders and Falcons.
Jimmy Garoppolo
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said in his post-season wrap-up press conference that he doesn’t see a scenario where Garoppolo would be back. Garoppolo, 31, would be a nice fit with the Raiders, where former New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is coach. Garoppolo’s 45-19 NFL record, counting postseason, is offset by his injury history. He has missed 19 games the last three seasons due to injury. I think if Garoppolo doesn’t end up with the Raiders, he makes a nice fit with the Colts.
Jacoby Brissett
He is the stereotypical bridge quarterback – a veteran starter who can win games and “bridge the gap” to the time a young, drafted quarterback is ready to play. After that, Brissett’s ability and willingness to mentor a young quarterback makes him unique on the quarterback carousel. I can see him returning to his Florida roots and taking over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers until they find their next hope.
Daniel Jones
Amid reports of the Giants giving Jones the franchise tag, Jones has changed agencies – an indication that he won’t rubber-stamp what the Giants offer him. His market value in free agency is a mystery, however. His 9-6-1 record was the best of his four seasons and there is a feeling that Jones should stick with coach Brian Daboll, who got the best out of him.
Geno Smith
The NFL comeback player-of-the-year owes everything to the faith shown him by the Seattle Seahawks. Smith would be best-advised to return to the Seahawks.
Baker Mayfield
There is some speculation he might be a quarterback of interest of the Saints. He’d be lucky to retain a backup job with the Rams.
Taylor Heinicke
The Washington Commanders are said to be turning the page to 2022 fifth-round pick Sam Howell. It might be time for Heinicke, who did well in part-time starting duty in 2022, to test the market. He could be another bridge quarterback for a team intending to draft one high.
Cooper Rush
He should re-sign with Dallas Cowboys as Dak Prescott’s backup.
Josh Dobbs
He was Tennessee’s emergency quarterback after he left the Browns, and didn’t do badly considering the dire circumstances. Dobbs should return to the Browns as Watson’s backup.
