2022 July - Pro Football Rumors

Month: September 2024

Ravens Sign Two Of Three Remaining Unsigned Rookies

July 16th, 2022 at 6:27pm CST by Ely Allen

One of the few teams who still have unsigned rookies from this year’s draft, Baltimore continued to chip away today, signing two of their three remaining unsigned players. Offensive tackle Daniel Faalele and cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis signed their rookie contracts today with a little under two months to go until their first regular season commences.

Faalele is an Australia-native who moved to the states with no football experience. Faalele was discovered by recruiting staff at the University of Hawai’i while playing basketball and rugby. He had tremendous athleticism for someone his size and, after attending a Jim Harbaugh satellite camp, Faalele was recruited to learn the game of football at the prestigious IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL. IMG’s football team is notorious for taking five-star high school athletes from remote areas of the country and exposing them to some of the highest levels of high school football. After joining the football team in 2016, Faalele became a starter for IMG in 2017 and enrolled early at the University of Minnesota in 2018.

After beginning his freshman year as a backup, Faalele started the final eight games of the season, holding onto his starting job as a sophomore, as well. When Faalele announced he would sit out of the 2020 college football season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many assumed he would declare for the draft. Instead, Faalele came back for his senior year and helped return the Golden Gophers to a winning season.

Faalele could potentially see a situation similar to his freshman year during his rookie season. Right now the Ravens are set to trot out Ronnie Stanley and Morgan Moses as their starting tackles. Moses is competing with Ja’Wuan James for the starting right tackle position currently. Moses and James both have plenty of starting experience, but Moses graded out as only the 40th best offensive tackle last season according to Pro Football Focus and James hasn’t played in an NFL game since the 2019 NFL season. Not to mention, Stanley is expected to start the season but has only played in one game since signing an historic contract back in 2020. Any number of situations could play out that see Faalele force his 6’9″, 400 lb. frame into the starting lineup.

Armour-Davis had extremely limited playing time during his first three years at Alabama, spending his freshman season taking a medical redshirt and the next two seasons as a special teamer. As a redshirt junior, Armour-Davis was named a starting cornerback and led the team with three interceptions on the year, adding four passes defensed and not allowing a single touchdown. He played mostly on the outside but has the scheme versatility to fit in with any system.

Baltimore’s secondary is one of the most-talented in the NFL but a lack of depth bit the team hard in 2021 when starting cornerbacks Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey both suffered season-ending injuries. With the departures of Tavon Young and Anthony Averett, Armous-Davis immediately slots in as the team’s No. 3 or 4 cornerback behind Peters, Humphrey, and, possibly, free agent addition Kyle Fuller. Armous-Davis’ playing will likely come on resting downs for Peters or Humphrey. Due to the team’s enviable depth at safety, a nickel- or dime-package might feature three or four safeties, unless Fuller can cement himself as a slot-cornerback.

With Faalele and Armous-Davis now under contract, Michigan second-round pick David Ojabo remains as Baltimore’s only unsigned rookie. Ojabo announced an early departure from Ann Arbor after one year of starting opposite the second-overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, Aidan Hutchinson. Considered by most to be a first-round talent, Ojabo slipped into the second round after tearing his Achilles tendon while working out for scouts at the Wolverines’ Pro Day.

PFR Originals: 7/4/22 – 7/16/22

July 16th, 2022 at 5:19pm CST by Adam La Rose

Here’s a quick look back at our most recent original pieces:

Another three additions were made to PFR’s Offseason In Review series, all covering AFC squads.
- Breaking down a busy Chargers spring, Sam Robinson looked at the major moves Los Angeles has made to bolster its defense in particular, as the team looks to take its place among the AFC’s elite.
- Their divisional rival Raiders have, of course, made splashes on both sides of the ball this offseason as well. A new regime on the sidelines and in the front office will look to keep the team in the postseason.
- Finally, the Colts have brought in yet another new starting QB, hoping that Matt Ryan can help the offense enough to put an otherwise talented, deep roster into postseason contention.
In the wake of the Baker Mayfield trade, Ben Levine recounted the many moves the Panthers have made in recent years to address the QB position. Suffice it to say, Mayfield is the latest in a long line of signal-callers the team has brought in to try and find long-term stability.
As training camp draws nearer, players on all teams can be identified as potentially being on the roster bubble, something which can leave their respective clubs with a few options.
- One is to look to trade them, something the Ravens could consider with safety Chuck Clark. I dove into Baltimore’s new-look backend, and where the veteran might (or might not) fit into it.
- Likewise, Cowboys defensive tackle Trysten Hill could be on the move soon. Ely Allen examined Dallas’ depth at the position, and the subsequent fact that a change of scenery would serve the former second-rounder well.
In the absence of trade partners, though, teams may be left with the decision to simply cut ties with certain players.
- In the case of the Colts, that could spell the end of Ben Banogu‘s tenure in Indy. Ely traced his path from a successful college career to a limited role in the NFL so far.
- Amongst the many changes the Dolphins have made this offseason is the addition of multiple RBs. As a result, a logjam could force Salvon Ahmed to find a new home soon. Ely elaborated on the many competitors the former UDFA faces to land on the 53-man roster.
A number of veteran wideouts remain on the market, including Will Fuller. I broke down his history of production coupled with injury trouble, and tried to pinpoint a few teams who could be well-suited to take a flyer on him.
With most of the summer’s roster building phases done with, Sam examined the wide range of financial situations NFL teams currently find themselves in. From the Browns at the top, to the Patriots at the bottom, squads enter the 2022 campaign with vastly different levels of salary cap flexibility.
Continuing his look at the top earners on both sides of the ball, Sam also looked at the top 2022 cap hits amongst defenders. The explosion in non-QB positional markets has allowed the league’s stars across a number of teams to land historic contracts.
The Texans don’t have the highest of expectations on offense this season, but they could have some notable upside at the WR position. Ely detailed the 2022 depth chart spot-by-spot, revealing the players second-year QB Davis Mills will have at his disposal.
In general, Bill Belichick has not fared particularly well in developing homegrown talents at wideout. Ben examined the hits and misses the team has had during his tenure, something made even more poignant by the underwhelming end of N’Keal Harry‘s time in New England.
With the deadline for franchise tag recipients to sign long-term deals passing on Friday (and no such contracts materializing), Sam broke down the situations now facing the Cowboys and Dolphins, and, more importantly, the Chiefs and Bengals with respect to the players set to play on the tag in 2022.
Earlier today, Ben offered an interesting glimpse into the lucrative careers any NFLer can put together, with a listing of the top-earning current players who joined the league as UDFAs.

Latest On FA OL Laurent Duvernay-Tardif

July 16th, 2022 at 3:14pm CST by Adam La Rose

Laurent Duvernay-Tardif remains a free agent in the NFL, but an important transaction recently took place north of the border which could affect his future. The CFL’s Montreal Alouettes – his hometown team – acquired his rights in that league, per a club announcement.

“We are happy to have proceeded with this transaction,” general manager Danny Maciocia said after the Alouettes traded for Duvernay-Tardif’s rights. “Laurent is a football icon in Montreal and Quebec.”

Last month, the 31-year-old made it clear that he would once again shift his focus to medicine this summer, something he did when he opted out of the 2020 campaign to attend to COVID-19 patients. He returned to the Chiefs last season, with whom he made consecutive Super Bowl appearances the two prior seasons he played in. As a pending free agent who had been supplanted as a starter at the right guard spot, though, he was traded to the Jets midseason.

“I’m going to prioritize medicine… and we’ll see in September if there’s a fit,” the former sixth-rounder said when explaining his decision, which did not constitute a retirement announcement. He added, “I’m really comfortable with the risk, and I’m pretty confident there’s going to be an offer on the table in September if I want it. And if I want it I’ll take it.”

A return to New York is unlikely for Duvernay-Tardif, as the Jets added Laken Tomlinson in free agency to pair with Alijah Vera-Tucker as the team’s starting guards. While his NFL suitors could be few and far between at this point in free agency, he would be welcomed back home in the CFL.

“We wish him the best success with his football career moving forward, and are satisfied knowing that if he does play in Canada, he will do so in a city and a stadium that he knows very well,” Maciocia added. “He would also finally be able to wear the letters M.D. on the back of his jersey like he has been wanting to do.”

If Duvernay-Tardif were to wait until September to make a decision, and no satisfactory NFL offers arrive, he could join the Alouettes midway through the CFL campaign, which runs until mid-November.

Latest On Titans’ RB Competition

July 16th, 2022 at 2:12pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Titans’ offense has undergone a number of changes this offseason, but the unit’s catalyst will once again be in place for the start of the upcoming season. Derrick Henry is poised to handle a heavy workload as always, but there is much to be sorted out regarding the rest of the position’s depth chart.

In a breakdown of the unit heading into training camp, Jim Wyatt of the team’s website details the many moves Tennessee has made in recent months, including re-signing veterans Jordan Wilkins and Dontrell Hilliard. The latter showed promise while filling in for Henry after his midseason injury last year. Hilliard registered the first five starts of his career late in 2021, and averaged an impressive 6.3 yards per carry. His success (albeit in a limited capacity) earned the former UDFA another deal with the Titans.

While Hilliard could be in line for the main backup role left open by the departure of D’Onta Foreman, he will be facing competition from several other backs for playing time. Outside of Wilkins and free agent addition Trenton Cannon, that could come most from Hassan Haskins. The fourth-rounder raised his draft stock with a stellar 2021 campaign at Michigan, in which he led the Big Ten in carries and total touchdowns, ranking second in the conference with 1,327 rushing yards. Given his status as a rookie, and the role he played in helping the Wolverines to the CFB playoffs, Haskins’ spot on the roster in some capacity is likely secure.

As a result, Wyatt notes, Hilliard, Wilkins and Cannon could find themselves competing over one spot on the 53-man roster. The presence of fullback Tory Carter and the fact that Henry, when healthy, will operate as a workhorse limits the path each has to a full-time spot. Given the question marks currently surrounding the Titans’ pass-catching corps, however, the way the RB depth chart shakes out in camp will be significant.

The Highest-Earning Former UDFAs

July 16th, 2022 at 12:07pm CST by Ben Levine

The Seahawks recently gave a two-year, $12MM deal to defensive tackle Bryan Mone, a significant pay day for a former undrafted free agent. While Mone earned life-changing money, he still has a long way to go when it comes to career earnings among UDFAs. There are currently 18 active former undrafted free agents who have made more than $30MM in their respective careers.

We’ve listed the top-20 highest-earning UDFAs below (h/t to Spotrac.com). The list includes current free agents:

LT Jason Peters: $117.2MM
CB Chris Harris: $68.0MM
G Andrew Norwell: $52.5MM
WR Adam Thielen: $50.7MM
DE Mario Addison: $49.1MM
LB Shaquil Barrett: $47.1MM
CB Malcolm Butler: $44.7MM
QB Case Keenum: $44.1MM
K Robbie Gould: $43.7MM
QB Chase Daniel: $39.8MM
RT La’el Collins: $38.9MM
WR Danny Amendola: $38.0MM
K Matt Prater: $33.8MM
K Graham Gano: $33.6MM
K Justin Tucker: $33.5MM
S Rodney McLeod: $33.3MM
S Tony Jefferson: $31.0MM
QB Brian Hoyer: $30.9MM
WR Robby Anderson: $29.5MM
LB Cory Littleton: $28.9MM

Some observations:

Peters runs away with the top spot on the list. Despite his career earnings, he’s only earned one sizable extension during his career: a six-year, $60MM deal he signed with the Eagles in 2009. Over the next decade, Peters mostly inked one-year deals to stick with the Eagles.
The most common position on the list? Kickers. That’s partly a reflection on how the position is treated in the draft; the majority of the league’s kickers have to start their careers as UDFAs. It’s also a reflection of the longevity of the four kickers on the list, especially Gould. The soon-to-be 40-year-old has signed three contracts longer than four years.
Keenum earned the majority of his money to be a starter with the Broncos, but the other QBs on the list have mostly made their money as career backups. Despite only having five career starts, Daniels has signed four different contracts that are worth more than $10MM total. Similarly, the Patriots were more than happy to keep Hoyer around for about $1.5MM per season to be the main backup to Tom Brady, although Hoyer also benefited from big contracts from the Texans and 49ers.

Latest On Rams TE Tyler Higbee

July 16th, 2022 at 9:52am CST by Ben Levine

Tight end Tyler Higbee has transformed into a core member of the Rams offense, and it sounds like he’ll be ready to go for the start of training camp. According to Jourdan Rodrigue, Higbee is expected to be fully cleared from his knee injury by the start of the regular season (if not sooner).

Higbee suffered a knee injury during the NFC Championship Game, landing him on injured reserve and forcing him to miss the Rams Super Bowl victory. The injury later required surgery, and while the rehab meant Higbee couldn’t immediately dive into his offseason routine, he was already back to practicing by May.

“The knee’s coming along very well,” Higbee said at the time (h/t to Cameron DeSilva of USA Today). “I’ve been staying on top of rehab and getting after it, started getting on the field a couple of weeks ago; they’re slowly working me back in, knowing we’ve got some time before the season.”

Higbee, a former fourth-round pick, has had at least 40 receptions and 500 receiving yards in each of the past three seasons. With Matthew Stafford taking over in Los Angeles, Higbee continued producing on offense, finishing the 2021 campaign with 61 receptions for 560 yards and five touchdowns. In three playoff games, he added another nine receptions for 115 yards.

Former running backs coach Thomas Brown is now taking over as the Rams TE coach. If Higbee is slowed a bit to start training camp, Brown will have some depth to turn to for reps. While the team lost number-two tight end Johnny Mundt this offseason, they’re still rostering the likes of Kendall Blanton, Brycen Hopkins, Kyle Markway, Roger Carter, Jamal Pettigrew, and Jared Pinkney.

Lions Prioritizing Extension For TE T.J. Hockenson

July 16th, 2022 at 9:31am CST by Ben Levine

An extension could be coming for T.J. Hockenson. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Lions are “expected to prioritize” an extension for the tight end over the next few months.

The 2019 first-round pick took a bit to get rolling, but he established himself as one of the league’s better tight ends in 2020. Hockenson earned a Pro Bowl nod that season after hauling in 67 receptions for 723 yards and six touchdowns. With Matthew Stafford out of Detroit, the tight end’s numbers didn’t fall off too much in 2021 (61 receptions for 573 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games), and the Lions ultimately picked up Hockenson’s fifth-year option after the season.

Now, the 25-year-old is in line for an extension. The fifth-year option means Hockenson is signed through the 2023 season, but it sounds like Detroit won’t be wasting any time locking in one of their top players.

There’s a good chance Hockenson will exceed a $10MM AAV with his next deal, as 10 tight ends (11 if you include Taysom Hill) currently top that mark. Unfortunately for the Lions and Hockenson, some of the notable tight end negotiations this offseason didn’t lead to extensions. Both Mike Gesicki and Dalton Schultz are set to play the upcoming campaign under the franchise tag, and their hypothetical extensions could have provided some clarity to the Lions and Hockenson during negotiations. The other TE to be tagged this offseason was David Njoku, whom the Browns signed to a new four-year, $54.75MM pact.

The Lions haven’t been shy about inking their top young players, as the front office signed center Frank Ragnow to a record-setting deal last May. We heard recently that many people around the NFL believed Hockenson would be next in line for an extension. There is less urgency due to the option, but Hockenson has expressed a willingness to stay in Detroit long-term, saying “I want to [win] here so bad.”

Franchise Tag Roundup: Bengals, Chiefs, Cowboys, Dolphins Table Talks To 2023

July 15th, 2022 at 10:36pm CST by Sam Robinson

For the first time since 2018, the summer franchise tag deadline day did not produce an extension. The past three years brought deadline-day deals for Taylor Moton, Derrick Henry, Chris Jones, Grady Jarrett and Robbie Gould. None of the four teams who still had tagged players could hammer out a deal Friday, however.

Bengals safety Jessie Bates, Chiefs left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki and Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz remain attached to their franchise tag prices ($12.9MM, $16.7MM, $10.9MM, $10.9MM, respectively). They are prevented from negotiating with their teams again until the 2022 season ends. The four teams can apply second franchise tags to these players in 2023, at 120% of their 2022 tag prices.

The Chiefs and Brown came closest to a deal. Although the Chiefs reached an extension agreement with Frank Clark upon trading a first-round pick and change for him in 2019, they postponed Brown negotiations last year. When the sides came to the table, after Brown earned a Pro Bowl nod for his first season as a full-time left tackle, the fifth-year blocker had a new agent and wanted a deal that made him the highest-paid offensive lineman. The Chiefs were willing to go there, but on their terms. What amounts to a dummy year in the contract’s final season led Brown to turn down a six-year, $139MM extension offer. Although failed tag talks often lead to separations the following year, it would surprise if the Chiefs — considering the compensation they parted with for Brown in 2021 — did not make a strong effort to extend Brown in 2023.
Less clarity emerged with the other three tag negotiations, but the Bengals‘ five-year offer and reported guarantee of around $17MM — which would be a fringe top-10 mark at the safety position — did not bring Bates to sign an extension. The fifth-year defender wanted to be the NFL’s highest-paid safety, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (video link). Minkah Fitzpatrick moved that number to $18.2MM per year this summer. Bates expressed interest in re-signing with the Bengals in 2021, after he posted a strong 2020 season. Following a less impactful 2021 regular season, Bates rebounded with critical playoff contributions. The Bengals, who drafted safety Daxton Hill in Round 1 and have Vonn Bell under contract for one more season, may be willing to let Bates test free agency a year from now. But Bell’s contract-year status may well keep Bates in the fold beyond 2022.
A lot of Schultz news came out this offseason, including a late rumor of a possible deal coming to fruition. But scant optimism about a Cowboys long-term deal surfaced. Dallas cuffed its top tight end and, with Schultz having signed his tender, he can be fined daily for not reporting to training camp. Although Schultz left OTAs to make a point about negotiations, he showed for Cowboys minicamp. The sides, however, appeared far apart. Ahead of Friday’s deadline, they had not negotiated in weeks. Contract length was an issue for Schultz’s camp. While Dak Prescott‘s contract is an exception, the Cowboys prefer five- or six-year extensions. No deadline-day magic occurred, and Schultz may become a bigger part of Dallas’ offense, with the team having traded Amari Cooper shortly after tagging its tight end.
It does not sound like substantial Gesicki-Dolphins talks occurred this offseason. Though, Gesicki was interested in an extension. After the former second-round pick broke through for a 703-yard, six-touchdown 2020 season, the team did not make an extension ahead of his 2021 contract year a priority. Gesicki then posted a 780-yard slate. That was enough to move Miami to keep the Penn State product off the free agent market. Gesicki should play a key part in a critical Tua Tagovailoa season, but with Tyreek Hill‘s $30MM-per-year contract now on Miami’s books, other Dolphins skill players may be affected.

The Browns (David Njoku), Buccaneers (Chris Godwin), Jaguars (Cam Robinson) and Packers (Davante Adams) saw their tagged players land extensions. Adams’ money, of course, came from the Raiders, who gave their new All-Pro weapon a five-year, $140MM extension — a deal that impacted Hill’s Chiefs talks and one that has two lofty nonguaranteed salaries in its final two years — after Adams voiced a preference to reunite with Derek Carr out west. Njoku becoming the NFL’s fourth-highest-paid tight end, after not matching either of Gesicki or Schultz’s best seasons, likely became an issue in the Cowboys and Dolphins’ respective negotiations.

Bates and Brown have not signed their tenders. This would allow each to skip training camp without being fined. The 2020 CBA prevents teams from waiving fines for holdouts, pointing to Gesicki and Schultz showing up. Bates is not expected to attend camp, and Brown hinted at staying away for a while. The Bengals and Chiefs’ tagged performers have until Nov. 15 to sign their tenders, or they cannot play in 2022. Multiple defensive linemen (Sean Gilbert and Dan Williams, the latter a Chiefs tag recipient) followed through with skipping seasons after being tagged in the late 1990s, but Le’Veon Bell (2018) is the only player to pass on a guaranteed salary by skipping a full season while attached to the tag this century.

NFC South Rumors: Mayfield, Henderson, Jones, Buccaneers

July 15th, 2022 at 10:01pm CST by Ely Allen

After months of anticipation and speculation, the Panthers finally made the move to acquire Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield via trade. In the 27-year-old’s first press conference for Carolina, the new passer announced that he has “tweaked his throwing mechanics,” according to Anthony Rizzuti of USA Today.

The change in throwing motion is a direct result of the time Mayfield had to miss last year due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder.

“When it comes to my shoulder…my throwing motion was extremely violent,” Mayfield explained. “I’ve made some small changes and worked with a great QB coach, Jeff Christensen. He’s helped me get back to a form that…I haven’t thrown the ball this well in a long time. And throwing motion looks a little different and I’m thankful for that.”

Here’s a few other rumors from the NFC South, starting with another note out of the Tar Heel state:

The Panthers’ cornerback situation was a bit chaotic last year. After drafting Jaycee Horn in the first round of last year’s draft, and subsequently losing him to a right foot injury, Carolina was forced to acquire both C.J. Henderson and Stephon Gilmore via trades. Henderson spent most of his first season with the Panthers adjusting to his second NFL defensive system in as many years in the league. This offseason, though, he’s reportedly begun to show the talent that got him drafted in the first round in 2020, according to ESPN’s David Newton. If Henderson can develop into a consistent starting talent, this would allow defensive coordinator Phil Snow and secondary coach Steve Wilks to have Horn move inside to play more nickel in passing situations, trusting Henderson and starting cornerback Donte Jackson on the outside.
Falcons’ defensive mainstay over the past few years, linebacker Deion Jones, will have a bit more than an injury recovery to battle with this offseason, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Atlanta experienced an influx of inside linebacker talent this offseason, bringing in veterans Rashaan Evans and Nick Kwiatkoski in free agency and drafting rookie Troy Andersen in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Jones will be coming off shoulder surgery and head coach Arthur Smith told Ledbetter that “everybody is going to have to earn a spot” at the position.
The Buccaneers will have a lot to figure out in their secondary this offseason, according to Greg Auman of The Athletic. The team was able to return starting cornerback Carlton Davis on a three-year deal back in March but has two options battling to start opposite him. Both being in contract years, Jamel Dean and Sean Murphy-Bunting will both be working to try and earn a similar new deal to Davis’. Tampa Bay will operate primarily in a nickel-look defense, meaning all three can be on the field, but when they revert to a base formation either Dean or Murphy-Bunting will have to earn that time. Not to mention, in the off case that one or both struggle at any point, veteran safety Logan Ryan is ready and waiting with his years of cornerback experience in his back pocket.

Browns To Sign Backup QB If Deshaun Watson Gets Lengthy Suspension

July 15th, 2022 at 8:59pm CST by Ely Allen

As the news involving Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson continues to develop around the several allegations of sexual misconduct placed upon him, disciplinary officer Sue Robinson is nearing her ruling on whether or not Watson violated the league’s personal conduct policy. The ruling should determine the length of time, if any, that Watson will be suspended from playing in the NFL. If it’s determined that Watson will be out for an extended period of time, Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com tells us that the Browns “will sign a quarterback to back up interim starter Jacoby Brissett.”

Brissett signed a one-year deal to join the Browns back in March. The NC State product started five games last year in Miami, when starter Tua Tagovailoa was injured, but gained most of his starting experience filling in for Andrew Luck during his four seasons with the Colts.

Indianapolis acquired Brissett in 2017 in a straight-up trade with New England for wide receiver Phillip Dorsett after news that offseason shoulder surgery would force their starting quarterback, Luck, to miss some time in the regular season. Brissett started every game but one that season for the Colts. After backing up a healthy Luck the following season, Brissett was forced back into the starting role when Luck surprisingly announced his retirement two weeks before the 2019 NFL season. Again, Brissett started all but one game that year.

Brissett’s extensive starting experience made him a resourceful addition to the Browns’ roster, considering the likelihood that Watson will miss time, and he became the obvious choice to start as soon as news arose of friction between Baker Mayfield and Cleveland. As a starter, Brissett has amassed a 14-23 record over his six years in the league. He has a career completion percentage of 60.2%, passing for 7,742 yards, 36 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions in 60 total games.

Currently the only other quarterback on the roster in Cleveland is former Steelers’ reserve Joshua Dobbs. Since getting drafted in 2017, Dobbs has thrown 17 passes spread over six regular season appearances. If Watson is unavailable, the Browns will want someone with a bit more experience backing up their backup, Brissett. The free agent market offers up slim pickings for the desperate, but still contains some notable backup names.

The most experienced available quarterback in free agency is Cam Newton. The 33-year-old is coming off a return season in Carolina and has started a football game in every year of his career since getting drafted in 2011. Mike Glennon is another passer with starting experience available on the market. The journeyman has 31 starts to his name, starting games for four of the six teams that have rostered him. Most recently, Glennon started four games last year for the Giants.

Behind those two, free agency also offers career backup names like A.J. McCarron and Garrett Gilbert. McCarron recently announced his eagerness to return to the NFL after recovering from a torn ACL and has plenty of experience in the AFC North from his extended time in Cincinnati. Gilbert has less time in the NFL as a backup but has shown an adaptability by spending each of his four seasons in the NFL with four different teams. Luckily for Cleveland, one of those teams is the Browns. Gilbert spent the 2019 season backing up Mayfield under then-head coach Freddie Kitchens.

While it doesn’t offer much in terms of quantity, there are some real options for Cleveland to pursue on the free agent market. They could also attempt to trade for a backup the way Indianapolis did years ago to obtain Brissett, but that’s another article entirely. Regardless, Cleveland will have plenty of time to set their plans straight as the ruling from Robinson may not be announced for weeks.

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