Rookie Deshone Kizer has done enough to earn the starting quarterback position for the Cleveland Browns. Coach Hue Jackson sees him as a perfect fit, meaning Brock Osweiler trade talk is likely to escalate moving forward. According to Cleveland.com, Kizer earned the nod after the Browns won their preseason tiff with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 13-9. The rookie completed just 6 of 18 attempts for 93 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. Though this may not be impressive, pundits believe it was enough to get the starting role over Osweiler and sophomore Cody Kessler.
Brown sees Kizer as the perfect fit
The Browns are pressured to do well this coming season with all eyes on Jackson. After a dismal 2016-17 NFL season, the 51-year-old coach knows he needs to do something to turn things around. He may have some plans ahead, though the big issue is the quarterback hole. He sees the answer in Kizer whom he officially named the starter, according to CBS.
“He’s earned the right to play through his preparation. He’s established a work ethic that I think has earned the respect of his teammates.”
With that announcement, Jackson will be turning to a couple of rookies to lead the Browns' campaign. Kizer will be calling the plays from the field while Myles Garrett will do his part on the defensive end.
With both sides of the fence covered, the Browns have a chance to improve upon their forgettable 1-15 win-loss record. It was the worst record in franchise history, which saw them start at 0-14.
Osweiler trade imminent?
With Kizer now the official starting quarterback, the Browns may have no further use for Osweiler. He did have a shot but the rookie proved to be the better choice.
While he could remain as the backup, the logical move is to see the 26-year-old being dealt soon. A big reason for that is his huge $16 million paycheck, part of the ridiculous $72 million deal he signed with the Houston Texans in 2016.
As of this writing, the Browns have not yet openly shopped Osweiler. There are several teams who could be interested like the Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts, or even the Baltimore Ravens.
But aside from the salary, Osweiler has hardly proven he deserves that high pay grade. He is coming off of a poor season and his preseason has only compounded it.
A trade is a logical move right now and the Browns are likely burning phone lines. With his performance, he is likely best suited as a backup for any other team unless a starting QB vacancy is available.
