The Cleveland Browns are trying to figure out the best path to take when it comes to the quarterback position. With a new coaching staff in place and two first-round picks to work with, the Browns have plenty of options. While the team could easily draft a rookie once again, the team appears to be targeting a veteran as the possible 2014 starter.
According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Browns are seriously considering acquiring Matt Schaub as a potential starter. The 11-year veteran has fallen out of favor with the Houston Texans after the team went 2-6 while Schaub tossed 10 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He went four straight games with a pick-six while suffering from a concussion and ankle injury.
Schaub is a far cry from his 2012 self that saw him toss for 4,008 yards as Houston went 12-4, making the playoffs. In 2011, he led the league in passing yards (4,770) and completions (396) while making it to the Pro Bowl. However, last year he simply looked like an aging veteran and the team is ready to move on. Schaub is set to earn $10 million next season and is likely to be released.
Cleveland's interest in the veteran comes from new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. The coach is extremely familiar with Schuab after working with him for three seasons in Houston. Schaub was at his best under Shanahan. He worked the intricacies of the West Coast system with ease and could step and be a viable option to start. The Browns would bring him in to compete with Brian Hoyer who is recovering from a torn ACL.
The Browns could still draft a rookie, but if they acquire Schaub they could wait till a later round to do so. Cleveland should be hesitant to take a chance on starting another rookie right away. Brandon Weeden failed to work out and Cleveland should avoid making the same mistake twice. Johnny Manziel and Blake Bortles are the two best available. Cleveland has done nothing but praise Manziel as their top target, but there are plenty of later-round quarterbacks getting attention. Drafting someone like Aaron Murray or AJ McCarron could be the better option in the long run.
