The NFL Draft is fast approaching and with a number of teams still dealing with unsettled quarterback situations, the rumors involving Browns backup Coly McCoy could change plans for teams if they decide to deal for the quarterback when he is available.
According to ESPN.com, the Cleveland Browns signed quarterback Jason Campbell this week as a free agent to compete with Brandon Weeden, leaving McCoy as expendable, giving way to rumors that he will be cut or traded. Campbell signed a two-year, $3.75 million deal with the Browns and since Jimmy Haslam was looking to bring someone in to compete for the starting job, McCoy is likely done with the Browns.
NFL.com is reporting that the team is not planning to release McCoy yet, but that could change as the draft approaches. The team likely could get a late round pick for him depending on which team they trade with, but after bringing in Campbell any chance of him starting is done with. The Browns were a possibility in trading for Matt Flynn or Ryan Mallett, but now those deals are deal with Campbell in the fold.
The Browns now are likely out of the Geno Smith sweepstakes as well, giving some of the later teams a chance to get him if he slips. Both the Oakland Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars have heavily scouted Smith and could take him in the top three of the draft in April. Depending on how things shake out though, if McCoy is traded or released and signed by either the Bills, Jaguars, Raiders or Cardinals, another team could swoop in an get Smith.
If one of those deals goes down it will also affect Matt Barkley, who is considered by many to be the second ranked quarterback in the draft behind Smith. Depending on where McCoy and Smith go, Barkley could benefit as he could land with a better team.
Adding to the mix is Matt Flynn with the Seattle Seahawks, as he has been rumored in trade talks with the Bills, Raiders and Jaguars, who could pass on Smith if they acquire him. All three of those teams and the Arizona Cardinals could move on with a new starting quarterback and since the free agent market is very thin behind Kevin Kolb after the Jason Campbell signing, there is a good chance one of those four ends up with McCoy.
The Browns had a tough season last year with Brandon Weeden as the starter and owner Jimmy Haslam wanted to have some competition heading into training camp. The team seems content with Weeden as the starter despite his age and if he improves from last season there is a good chance he will keep his starting job and keep Campbell on the sidelines.
