WEDNESDAY, 12:57pm: Grossman’s one-year deal with the Browns is worth the minimum but includes $50K in guaranteed money, tweets Field Yates of ESPN.com.
TUESDAY, 8:40am: The Browns have reached an agreement to sign free agent quarterback Rex Grossman, according to agent Drew Rosenhaus (Twitter link via Pro Football Talk). The signing reunites Grossman with Cleveland offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, after the duo spent multiple seasons together in Washington.
Although Grossman hasn’t seen regular-season NFL action since starting 13 games for the Redskins during the 2011 season, he has spent the last few years in Washington, and continued to draw interest this offseason. In addition to frequent speculation throughout the spring and summer that the veteran signal-caller, who turns 34 this month, may land in Cleveland, Grossman also worked out for the Dolphins this week. After that audition, we heard that Grossman was scheduled to visit another club, so it appears that Cleveland was that team.
With Brian Hoyer and Johnny Manziel battling for the top spot on the Browns’ depth chart, there’s still an opening for the No. 3 job. Grossman figures to have the inside track on that spot, particularly since the team has announced the release of quarterback Tyler Thigpen (Twitter link).
During his last stint as a starter in 2011, Grossman threw for 3,151 yards and 16 touchdowns, though he also racked up 20 interceptions. Presumably, if he earns a spot on Cleveland’s regular-season roster, Grossman will be relied upon to provide veteran guidance for the rookie Manziel and the relatively inexperienced Hoyer. If Grossman ends up seeing any snaps for the Browns during the 2014 campaign, it’s likely a sign that the club’s season has gone off the rails.
Wonder what this means for Connor Shaw? Practice squad?
That would be my guess, yeah. Maybe another team’s practice squad too, if the Browns decide not to put him on theirs.
— Luke
I really like the attitude this kid has. And having made it through the Spurrier grind at South Carolina, he has to be tough. Very good record in the SEC, too. Hope the Browns keep him around.
As far as Grossman is concerned, I don’t see that signing him makes much sense. Jason Campbell 2.0?
As I mentioned in the post, I think it’d be a very bad thing for the Browns if Grossman actually played during the regular season. I assume Shanahan just wants someone around who is very familiar with his system, can provide direction for the younger guys (though I suppose Hoyer’s not all that young), and can step in and play if absolutely necessary. After spending a first-round pick on a QB, I can see why it makes sense for your No. 3 option to be a veteran like Grossman rather than a developmental guy.
— Luke