After two days of free agency, the Cleveland Browns have exactly one quarterback on their roster. The team continues their search to find a franchise back after failed drafts and veteran signing. Armed with two first-round draft picks, the Browns will likely grab a rookie to be the potential face of the franchise, but they are still in the market to add one more body.
The Brandon Weeden experiment is officially over before it really began. Weeden was the team's first-round draft pick back in 2011, but the Browns have announced they are releasing the quarterback after two failed seasons in the NFL. The quarterback displayed some hope of a potential future in his rookie season, posting a 72.6 quarterback rating. However, that plummeted in his sophomore year, causing Cleveland to tank with him. In all fairness, not all of the Browns' struggles were Weeden's fault, but he certainly did not help.
Jason Campbell has also been shown the door. Just minutes after Weeden was released, Campbell was given his fate. The backup started eight games last season while only winning one. There was some hope he would at least finish out his two-year deal after throwing for 2,15 yards, but the Browns opted to release him prior to paying him a $250,000 roster bonus.
So that leaves Brian Hoyer as the last man standing in Cleveland. The quarterback won three games for the team before tearing his ACL and sitting out the rest of the year. There is some hope that Hoyer can play next season, but Cleveland intends on signing one more veteran before drafting a rookie to develop.
So who does Cleveland target in free agency? Josh McCown and Matt Cassel are all off the market and Michael Vick does not appear to be an option. According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, a trade for Matt Schaub is the top option.
It was assumed the Houston Texans would simply release Schaub at the start of free agency, but the team was aware that if he is gone, every team will aim to sign him. The Texans also need a trusty veteran and appear willing to keep Schaub on the roster. However, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle, the Texans will at least try and trade him if nothing else. Houston has no intentions of letting Schaub walk away for nothing and will see if they can get something worthy on the trade market since several teams are eyeing veteran quarterbacks.
The Browns cannot get by next season with Hoyer and a rookie. Schaub would be the best available if they are willing to give up a late-round draft pick for him.
