The Cleveland Browns, fresh off naming Deshaun Watson their starting quarterback over Shedeur Sanders after a *very close* battle through the first two weeks of preseason, are reportedly staring down a truly wild roster decision. ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi is projecting the Browns will do the unthinkable: keep all four of their valuable quarterbacks on the 53-man roster to kick off the regular season. This isn’t just a rumor; it’s a projection from a respected voice, meaning Cleveland might actually pull off something nobody in the league expects.
This Is What “Unheard Of” Looks Like
Oyefusi didn’t mince words, writing, “Keeping four quarterbacks on an active roster is unheard of in the NFL.” But that’s exactly what Cleveland’s front office, led by Todd Monken and Andrew Berry, is reportedly weighing. Why such a bold move when they’ve got a “four-QB problem” to solve? It boils down to a few factors. One big reason is reportedly to use rookie Taylen Green’s inaugural season as a “redshirt year.” That makes sense, right? Let the kid develop without immediate pressure to hit the field.
Depth Or Disaster? Cleveland’s QB Gamble
But there’s more to this than just Green. Let’s be real, Deshaun Watson has had his struggles, and his injury history is a constant concern. Plus, that home crowd in the second preseason game? They met him with loud boos. That reception could absolutely factor into the Browns wanting another viable backup option, and Dillon Gabriel is definitely decent. Trading Gabriel now would likely fetch a package “significantly worse” than the third-rounder they spent on him just a year ago, so why move him if he’s a solid plan B? And Green, despite not being a factor this year, boasts “significant upside.” Cutting or trading a rookie with that potential would simply be a “bad look” for the front office. So, instead of trying to figure out a trade for Gabriel or Sanders, the Browns are projected to just embrace the depth. Monken and Berry have a “tricky decision” ahead of them, but maybe keeping all four isn’t such a terrible idea in the end.
This is a massive gamble for Cleveland to hold onto four signal-callers. But in a year where there’s “significant uncertainty at the QB spot,” having Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders as likely starters, plus Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green ready to go, might just work out fine. If Watson or Sanders get hurt, that kind of unprecedented depth could absolutely save their season. We’ll see if this wild projection truly comes to life when the regular season starts.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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