The uncertainty around Deshaun Watson has the Browns scrambling for quarterbacks with NFL training camps starting next week.
Jacoby Brissett is Cleveland’s likely starter to begin the year with the team now looking for veteran backups.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on Thursday the Browns are holding workouts for quarterbacks A.J. McCarron and Josh Rosen. Cleveland reportedly wants to go into training camp with four quarterbacks on the roster.
McCarron has only started four games over six career seasons in the NFL. In those starts, he’s thrown for 776 yards with four touchdowns. Rosen has been a journeyman since being drafted with the No. 10 pick in 2018. He’s thrown more interceptions (21) than touchdowns (12) during his three seasons in the league.
A year ago, Rosen found his way back into the league when McCarron — slated to be Matt Ryan’s backup with the Falcons — tore his ACL in the preseason. Rosen was signed by Atlanta, extending the UCLA product’s NFL career.
The resolution of the NFL investigation into Watson — after the quarterback was accused of sexual misconduct by over two dozen masseuses — will give more insight into what the Browns need at the position. If a short-term suspension is handed down, Brissett could be a viable stopgap option.
If Watson is out for the season, perhaps they could consider a run at Jimmy Garoppolo, who was granted permission by the 49ers to seek a trade on Wednesday. The Browns traded a disgruntled Baker Mayfield to the Panthers earlier this offseason.
A ruling on Watson’s suspension is expected next week.