The Cleveland Browns have been pegged to draft a quarterback in the first round come May. The team may even draft two quarterbacks this year since they are well-supplied in each round. However, what if that rookie quarterback is not ready to start immediately like the team had hoped? Right now, the Browns have a rehabbing Brian Hoyer who is stressing he will be ready to play. But, if he is not then the team will need to make a move, something they are already planning.
Mike Pettine spoke with the Akron Beacon Journal and confirmed the Browns are looking to sign a veteran quarterback and are looking to do it soon.
"I don't think we're at the point yet where that decision has to be made," Pettine said. "I think it'll be made sooner rather than later. I think it'll be done around the time of the first camp. I do know that [Hoyer] will be available at least on a limited basis [for the first minicamp], but to the exact extent of what he can do drill work-wise and whether we can extrapolate that out and have him do some 11-on-11 stuff, that question hasn't been answered yet."
The Browns waited too long already to make that call and cannot afford to shuffle their feet on this move if Hoyer is not healthy. Most of the quality veterans are off the market, leaving Cleveland with cast offs. The best option might be Josh Freeman. The one-time starter for Tampa Bay played just one game for the Minnesota Vikings before once again becoming a free agent. He is currently visiting with the Chicago Bears, so again Cleveland will need to hurry.
Another option could be a trade for Christian Ponder. The Vikings continue to shop their one-time starter to possible teams, desperate to get something in return for the former first-round pick, but so far there are no takers. Ponder will likely be released come after the draft, so Cleveland can afford to hold off on that move.
The Browns are pegged to land a quarterback in the first round. A lot could depend on what Houston and Jacksonville do with their picks. If the Browns do not have the chance to get Johnny Manziel or possibly Blake Bortles, then they will wait and grab someone later, making that depth a key component for 2014.