The New England Patriots are currently fielding calls from multiple teams interested in their backup quarterback, Ryan Mallett. After being drafted in 2011, Mallett has spent a season learning under Tom Brady and has shown potential to be a starting quarterback in the league. With a draft class filled with weak quarterback prospects, some teams are considering making a deal for Mallett. While the Cleveland Browns were assumed a possible landing spot, the team is saying they are not interested in acquiring the backup.
While Cleveland's general manager Michael Lombardi once praised Mallett prior to the 2011 draft, he is not interested in bringing the quarterback to the Browns. He does not believe Mallett has seen enough playing time in the NFL to be considered a starter yet.
The Browns seem content with current quarterback Brandon Weeden who the team picked up with the No. 22 overall selection last year. Last season, he threw for 3,385 yards, for 14 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. He did what he could with very little talent around him, but ultimately his rookie season was underwhelming and at 29-years old, he does not fit as a long-term option. The Browns traded away Colt McCoy and picked up Jason Campbell. They are no longer interested in bringing in anyone else.
The New York Jets are still an option for Mallett. They have draft picks they can trade away and are currently unsatisfied with the quarterbacks in the roster. He would be a good option to compete with Mark Sanchez for the starting job. Tampa Bay is another team fielding interest for a quarterback. While Josh Freeman seems like the secure starter for the team, they have expressed a desire to create some competition within the position. The Buccaneers have limited picks after dealing for Darrelle Revis so the likelihood of getting Mallett is slim.
Brady just signed a five-year extension to remain with the Patriots, so the team has no need for Mallett in the near future. New England only has five draft picks this year with only three inside the first 200 picks. They would likely request a second-round draft pick for Mallett, so their options to make a draft day deal could be small. Cleveland seemed like the best fit for the quarterback. The team could trade down from their No. 6 selection and acquire a second-round pick to give to the Patriots.
