A Look Forward in NFL Free Agency: Cleveland Browns

Aug 19, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan (right) talks with quarterback Pat White (5) on the sidelines as quarterback Rex Grossman (8) looks on against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback

Need Level: Medium

Possible Targets: Rex Grossman, Michael Vick, Matt Schaub (if released or via a small trade)

The Browns have Brian Hoyer and nothing else on the depth chart at the most important position on the field. It is pretty clear the Browns will add 2 other QBs to the depth chart, at least 1 through the draft. This writer is a big fan of drafting a QB in the first 3 rounds and a developmental one in the 6th or 7th but the Browns also could add Grossman, or Schaub. Vick is an unlikely player unless Ray Farmer, Mike Pettine and Kyle Shanahan aren’t sold on Hoyer at all.

A QB room of Hoyer, a high level draft pick and either Grossman or Schaub provides the Browns with the whole range of QB experience. The Texans have not yet released Schaub and it is possible the Browns use one of their many draft picks to get him over from the Texans with a restructured contract. Its unlikely Schaub will agree to that without a promise of competition between he and Hoyer. Grossman is a fine veteran who can help the Browns in the film room and hopefully keep the team from falling apart if Hoyer is hurt and the rookie is not ready.