Yesterday the Browns signed QB Tyler Huntley and Browns twitter went crazy. Of course, where was a valid reason, but some Browns aren’t happy unless they express their displeasure for the team on social media. If they had only waited 15 to 20 minutes, trusted people would’ve informed them of the reason for the signing. Both Kenny Pickett and Dillon Grabriel are dealing with hamstring injuries and might not be able to play Friday night against the Panthers. Joe Flacco will not be playing, nor should he be playing, not in a meaning less preseason game. So that leaves Shedeur Sanders as possibly the only available QB. Huntley is an insurance policy, that’s it. If Pickett or Gabriel take part in the combined practice Wednesday, then they could be available for Friday night. Huntley would then be released next week.
There is a game played by NFL front offices and player agents. They have to maintain great relationships if both are going to have a chance at being successful. By signing Huntley, the Browns allow him to show that he could still be a valuable backup in the league. It also is a great gesture to the agent who might represent a player the Browns might be interested in signing in the future. It also shows other agents Cleveland is willing to give players a chance, especially quarterbacks. The NFL overvalues the QB position. Tampa wants to sign (pending a physical today) Teddy Bridgewater. Bridgewater coached a high school team last year and is coming off his third retirement. This league is obsessed with quarterbacks, that’s why they are always over drafted, especially this year.
As for the Browns quarterback room, I still maintain Flacco is the starter, and the Browns will keep (barring injury) Dillon and Sanders. I just can’t see a scenario where keep four on the final 53-man roster. Because of the overvaluation of the QB position, someone will be interested in Kenny Pickett. Tyler Shuck is struggling in New Orleans. The Titans, because of the injury to Will Levis, really don’t have an experienced veteran backup to Cam Ward. There will be opportunities and teams interested in Pickett, but he has to play in practice and preseason games.
Friday night might provide an opportunity for Sanders to start. If he does, he’ll be starting against most of Carolina’s starters. If Pickett or Gabriel are healthy, one or both would play before Sanders. That would be ideal. The Browns are taking their time with Sanders because they see something in him that could bode well for the future. You really don’t want him have a setback because so far, he’s improved with every practice he’s had. Monday was his best day, and the coaching staff is very happy with his progress. He’s not being held back, there’s no conspiracy to make him fail and he’s learning the NFL game at a quick pace. He was never a first-round draft pick, he’s a developmental quarterback, who has the potential to be the Browns franchise QB in 2026. Just remember, if Sanders plays well Friday night, so did DTR and Josh Dobbs in preseason.
Finally, here’s some people who will tell you the truth about the Browns on social media, Matt Wilson (@CoachWilson66), Bill Sparks (@SparkScouting), Pete Smith (@_PeteSmith_), Jeff-LJ-Lloyd (@Jeff_LJ_Lloyd), Brad Ward (@WardonSports), Jake Burns (@jake_burns18), Zac Jackson (@AkronJackson), Fred Greetham (@FredGreetham9) and Lane Adkins (@TheRealLA_). Stay safe and Go Browns.