Cleveland Browns: Adding Tyrod Taylor was the best possible scenario

More credit should be given to the Cleveland Browns’ acquisition of quarterback Tyrod Taylor.

Adding a veteran quarterback was long overdue but the Cleveland Browns made sure they achieved that goal. Cleveland only gave up a third-rounder to get Taylor but with 12 picks initially to work with and the talent Taylor is, that was good value.

Ideally, it would have been a day three pick but again with the number of picks at hand then, the deal needed to be completed. Had it not been for Taylor, the only potential quarterback Cleveland could have traded for was Philadelphia Eagles’ Nick Foles.

The problem with that option is that Foles would have cost much more, especially since it remains to be seen when Carson Wentz returns to the field. In addition, one could argue that Foles is a system quarterback.

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With the quarterback position expected to be paid substantially in free agency thanks to Kirk Cousins and Drew Brees, the best route was through trade.

Besides, depending on the player signed, that quarterback would have probably preferred to be “the guy” rather than be a bridge and mentor.

Taylor’s situation in Cleveland is similar to the one he was in with the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo has been replaced with a rookie quarterback in Nathan Peterman so that they see what they have in him. In addition, Taylor played for a disappointing Bills team that could not make enough year to year progress.

During his time in New York, Buffalo never bought in completely that Taylor would be their long-term answer. Even without the long-term deal, Taylor remained a professional. Although Buffalo was rebuilding while there, his tenure there ran its course.

With the Browns, Taylor first and foremost brings credibility and professionalism to the position. Oh, by the way, he also has won in the NFL, 22 to be exact.

While that is not a lot, it is more than what Cleveland had last year on its roster. Don’t forget, Taylor also spent time as a backup before becoming a starter.

Taylor is the starter in 2018 but his role past the upcoming season is unknown. It is clear that he is just the bridge to whichever quarterback Cleveland goes with first overall.

Regardless of which quarterback it is, his skill-set will help their rookie understand how to become a pro. Not only that, but the rookie will also understand what to do when it comes to protecting the ball correctly and not turning the ball over, things Taylor does well with.

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Cleveland is not going to win zero games in 2018 because of Taylor. He will make the Browns competitive while also preparing the rookie for the future. This is a win-win for the Browns as the future is brighter than it has been in some time.

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