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The Cleveland Browns have a quarterback problem in 2022. Baker Mayfield is entering the fifth and final year of his rookie contract without an extension. That is not where the team wanted to be and the signal-caller is now set for surgery on his injured labrum.
The Browns have a few options in 2022. The easiest one is to just ride with Mayfield and make no changes. But that doesn't feel realistic at this point. A more likely scenario would see the Browns bring in some competition or even try to swap Mayfield for a veteran option.
There is a list of options available to the Browns, but not all are good choices. Here are three quarterbacks the Browns should avoid this offseason.
3 NFL QBs the Browns should not pursue this offseason
#3 - Mitchell Trubisky
Mitchell Trubisky signed a small, one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills after being let go by the Chicago Bears. The former No. 2 overall pick has now had a year to rebuild his reputation and remains a top option for teams needing a quarterback with NFL experience.
The problem is that adding Trubisky likely means he comes in to compete with Mayfield. That pits two seemingly average options against each other, with neither standing out.
If Trubisky won the job, the Browns would be stuck paying Mayfield way more as the backup.
#2 - Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan has two years remaining on his deal with the Atlanta Falcons. Landing him would mean the Browns ship Mayfield to Atlanta in exchange for the veteran.
While Ryan was once a prolific passer, he has a total of 3,752 yards and 19 touchdowns in 16 games this season. He would come to Cleveland with a weak receiving corps at his disposal in the twilight years of his career.
Ryan is also expensive, as he is owed nearly $24 million in 2022 and $28 million in 2023. He is just way too pricey for Cleveland to add as he continues to be paid for past performances in Atlanta.
#1 - Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins is a prime candidate to come to Cleveland in a trade. The Browns and the Minnesota Vikings could swap Mayfield and Cousins in a trade that will not please the fans of either team.
That scenario sends Cousins to the Browns with one year left on his deal. He is owed a whopping $35 million in 2022 and could leave town after the season.
That is a hefty price to pay for a veteran who has a losing record over his entire starting career. It is also a huge gamble because Cousins could hit free agency right after the season is over. And if he didn't even lead the team to the postseason, fans would want to know why that $35 million gamble was taken.
