The Cleveland Browns are in desperate need of a quarterback upgrade. The team drafted Brandon Weeden in the first round of 2012's NFL draft but he has yet to truly look like a starter. Now the Browns have signed veteran quarterback Jason Campbell in an effort to create a little quarterback competition going into training camp. So where does that leave Colt McCoy, the Browns' sometime-starter? According to reports, it is likely that McCoy will be released within the week.
McCoy was a third-round pick for the Browns in 2010. He was projected to be the new starter for the team; however he has struggled in three seasons in Cleveland. He has played in 24 games total, throwing for 4,388 yards and only 21 touchdowns. He has a career 74.8 passer rating, going 6-15 as a starter.
McCoy spent last season as a backup to Weeden. Now Cleveland signed Campbell to a two-year deal that will most likely earn McCoy his pink slip. Campbell spent last season backing up Jay Cutler in Chicago. Originally a first-round draft pick to the Washington Redskins, Cleveland will be Campbell's fourth team in eight seasons.
The Browns are expected to see if there are trade options regarding McCoy, but if that does not work out, they will just release him. At most, McCoy might earn a sixth or seventh round pick. He was drafted when Mike Holmgren was still president of the team. He was the one that saw a lot of potential in McCoy. Now that the team is under new management, no one seems to have faith in the quarterback.
With McCoy slowly exiting the picture, Weeden will most likely have no problem being the team's starter on Week 1. In his first year in the league, he threw for 3,385 yards and 14 touchdowns; however he did have 17 interceptions which is alarming to the team. Weeden better fits the offense that new coach Rob Chudzinski and offensive coordinator Norv Turner intend on running. He is a strong downfield passer that excels on the deep ball.
There is going to be a very limited market for McCoy upon being released. At this point, many teams are focusing on the draft for a quarterback which could leave him looking from the outside in next season.
