As it felt like the tides were turning for the Cleveland Browns in 2023, they were struck with bad news as quarterback Deshaun Watson is now expected to miss the rest of the season with a break in his shoulder. Tom Brady is not walking through the doors in Berea anytime soon (we can dream though, right?), and the Browns are now in the market for another quarterback to fill that roster spot.
Unfortunately for the Browns, the options are bleak as the trade deadline has passed. This means they will likely pull a quarterback from the practice squad of another team. As they prepare to start Dorian Thompson-Robinson, the Browns will now have to ride out their rookie quarterback and PJ Walker the rest of the way this season.
Looking for a third quarterback, however, here are some options that are out there that make sense for the Browns to bring in.
Kellen Mond, Indianapolis Colts
Whether we like it or not, this is the most logical answer to the Browns’ emergency quarterback situation. Kellen Mond has spent the better part of a year in Berea and with the Browns. This addition the Browns make will likely be as a reserve and not as a potential starter.
Mond makes a ton of sense and is the least tantalizing option to peel Mond off of the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad.
Nathan Rourke, Jacksonville Jaguars
Bring the man from Athens, Ohio home!
No, not Joe Burrow. But former Ohio University quarterback Nathan Rourke could make his way back to the Buckeye State. After finding success in the Canadian Football League, Rourke was added to the Jacksonville Jaguars this summer where he earned a practice squad spot.
Could the Browns add Rourke as their third quarterback?
Brett Rypien, Seattle Seahawks
Rypien has started NFL games for both the Denver Broncos and the Los Angeles Rams in his NFL career. Currently nestled on the practice squad of the Seattle Seahawks, the Browns have a chance to sign him to their active roster.
Tom Brady, free agent
This is the hail mary, the pass with a below one percent catch probability. However, the newly retired Tom Brady could be enticed with a lot of money to come back to play for a competitive team with the NFL’s best defense.
Do not put money on it, but this would be the best-case (and least likely) scenario.
