New Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson has a strong history of developing quarterbacks in the NFL. Jackson immediately made it known when he got to Cleveland that he thought the franchise was in need of a quarterback.
The Browns have the second pick in the 2016 NFL Draft after finishing with a 3-13 record last season, and are expected to target either California's Jared Goff or North Dakota State's Carson Wentz with their first-round pick. While the Browns will likely look to add a quarterback to their roster through the draft, they have already added a former first-round pick to their roster Thursday.
The Browns have officially signed former Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III to a two-year deal reportedly worth $15 million.
"I'm excited about the opportunity to join the Dawg Pound and help build something here in Cleveland," said Griffin. "Coach Hue and Pep (Hamilton), I had a great meeting with them. I really believe in what they preach and how they can help not only me as a player but this team win games and that's what we're all about."
While Griffin will look to return to his explosive rookie form in Cleveland the move has reportedly put Browns veteran quarterback Josh McCown on the trade block. The New York Jets, Denver Broncos, and Los Angeles Rams are teams that could potentially be interested in a trade for the 36-year-old quarterback, and despite the fact that he'll turn 37 before the start of the 2016 season, McCown has proven he can still play in this league.
McCown competed 63.7 percent of his passes last season for 2,109 yards and threw 12 touchdowns to four interceptions, but only managed a 1-7 record as the starter. While McCown shouldn't be blamed for the Browns' poor record last season, teams may have injury concerns as he finished the 2015 season on injured reserve with a broken collar bone.
The Browns are likely looking to set up a quarterback competition between a rookie draft pick and Griffin next season, which should soon have McCown on his way out the door. A potential trade may come down to what other teams are willing to offer, as the Browns probably won't let McCown go on the cheap, as he could serve as veteran leadership to the young quarterbacks on the Browns roster. Everything is still up in the air in Cleveland with the quarterback situation, but at least one thing is certain, as Griffin has officially become a Cleveland Brown.
