The Cleveland Browns are one of the many teams trying to decide whether they should try and trade up for Marcus Mariota or go with a different option at the quarterback position. With two first-round draft picks, the Browns are certainly in a good position to make a deal for the former Oregon star, but the team is not fully committed to the idea of dealing up. While they continue to evaluate the potential of a draft day deal, could Sam Bradford still be an option in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles?
According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Browns are considering whether or not to trade up for Mariota or strike a deal for Bradford. The Browns continue to get linked to the Heisman winning quarterback, but they have also been interested in a deal for Bradford. According to the Plain Dealer, the Browns offered the Eagles a first-round draft pick for Bradford after he was traded from St. Louis. The Eagles declined the offer, but Cleveland's interest remains.
Cabot reports that the Browns will be active in talks for deals with both quarterbacks. The Eagles continue to mull over trading up in the draft for MAriota. The Browns cannot help them in that effort considering they will not make their first pick until midway through the first round, but it at least shows that Bradford might be available as Philadelphia tries to restock on draft picks. The Browns simply need to decide which is the better investment. Should they trade up for a rookie with unknown potential or trade for a quarterback coming off several knee injuries and entering the final year of a very expensive contract?
According to Cabot, the Browns are very comfortable starting Josh McCown who they acquired in a trade from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Johnny Manziel is still on the roster, but Cleveland is not sure exactly what type of quarterback he will become after departing rehab. Head coach Mike Pettine has made it clear that Manziel will be back for spring practices and is expected to compete.
The Browns' quarterback rotation leaves a lot to be desire which is why they are considering all options. If neither Mariota nor Bradford is an option, the team could eye trades for Mike Glennon or Kirk Cousins along with Philip Rivers and Drew Brees in 2016. They need a franchise quarterback and right now that player is not on the roster.