In Pittsburgh, the Cleveland Browns are currently experiencing a quarterback surplus, having included four quarterbacks on their 53-man roster. This has led the Browns to explore trade options for their backup quarterbacks, seeking to gain draft picks in return.
Aside from their starting quarterback, Deshaun Watson, the Browns’ roster includes second-year player Dorian Thompson-Robinson and veterans Jameis Winston and Tyler Huntley. According to Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot, the Browns are actively fielding inquiries about their backup quarterbacks with the goal of acquiring draft picks.
Cabot reported, “The Browns will field calls for the backup quarterbacks in hopes of securing a draft pick for one of them. They may have already received some interest in Winston, who was brought in to back up Watson and has proven to be a strong leader and mentor to Watson.
It appears that Thompson-Robinson, who has displayed significant potential during the preseason, is less likely to be traded. Notably, Thompson-Robinson’s sole NFL victory to date came against the Steelers, with the Browns securing a 13-10 win in Cleveland. Thompson-Robinson contributed with 165 passing yards and an interception during that game.
In contrast, Jameis Winston and Tyler Huntley are considered more likely to be traded. Winston, who has accumulated over 22,000 passing yards and holds a 62% completion rate, represents a relatively low-risk investment for any team. Trading a draft pick for Winston offers the potential benefits of his extensive NFL experience and established quarterback skills, making it a worthwhile consideration for many teams.
Tyler Huntley, another viable trade candidate, was a Pro Bowl selection during his tenure with the Baltimore Ravens. Over three seasons in Baltimore, Huntley threw for 1,957 yards and 8 touchdowns. At 26 years old, Huntley remains an athletic and promising option for teams looking to enhance their quarterback depth.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are unlikely to pursue either Winston or Huntley for a couple of reasons. Firstly, trading within the division is generally not preferred, as it could mean facing these quarterbacks twice a season, which is strategically disadvantageous. Secondly, the Steelers appear satisfied with their current backup situation, featuring Justin Fields and Kyle Allen behind Russell Wilson. Unless there is a significant change in circumstances, it seems improbable that the Steelers will engage in trade talks for these backup quarterbacks.
