DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Who will be the odd team out in the QB race?

As of this moment there are 5 teams in desperate need of a QB: The Indianapolis Colts, Washington Redskins, Seattle Seahawks, Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns. There are 4 main starting solutions available: Luck, RG3, Manning, and Flynn.

Its almost a given that Luck goes to Indy so that them both out of the equation. If Manning moves his top likely destinations seem to be Miami, Seattle or Washington (with the Jets a possibility as well). I've heard no rumblings of him in Cleveland.

As for Flynn I've heard Miami, Seattle and Cleveland as his most likely landing spots. Haven't heard much on the Washington front as far as interest.

RG3 seems to be the most coveted player in this draft (aside from Luck who will be damn near unattainable). Cleveland, Washington, Seattle, and Miami have all been labeled as potential destinations. They will likely have to trade a hefty sum to trade up to #2 to grab him. The deal likely wont get done until the draft after free agency has settled and Flynn and Manning are in their respective new destinations.

As for the teams:

Cleveland: If a trade with St Louis occurs they seem like the ideal trade partner, multiple 1st round picks and the ability for the Rams to still grab Kalil or Blackmon which they probably couldn't select if they traded with Washington, Miami, or Seattle (though they may target Rieff in one of thos spots). General consensus said that both #4 and #22 should have gotten the job done but after the combine its now said another 3rd and 5th would be required. For a GM who prefers to build through the draft the asking price may be a bit much. If the Browns do not acquire RG3 or Flynn then Tannehill could be an option at #22, but the general consensus is he is still very raw and a year or 2 from starting.

Washington: The Browns biggest trade threat for RG3. Dan Snyder has made some pretty gusto moves over the years and its not out of the question he could sell the farm to grab RG3. Shannahan's seat is getting warm and he knows he needs a playmaker at QB if he still wants a job and RG3 gives him just that. The other option for them I think is Manning. If he were to play there then making a trade with the Rams just became a heck of a lot easier.

Miami: The only team I really see being in the hunt for Flynn, RG3 and Manning. Flynn is the most likely candidate with his ex OC now in charge. It has also been said Miami is one of the teams Manning would be interested in. The Dolphins have a bit of an advantage as they still have Matt Moore who is an efficient QB though not a stud by anymeans. If Manning needs more time they could fall back on Moore til he's ready. To get RG3 they'd likely have to sell the farm (2 1st rounders, and probably a 2nd, 3rd+). The other interesting option would be Tannehill at #9 or in a trade back. Sherman is now their OC and if he convinces them that he's the real deal they may be willing to take a gamble and develop him while Moore starts.

Seattle: First off I don't think they'll be in the RG3 sweepstakes. They're too far back for the Rams preference and would have to give up considerably more to move up. I think their #1 choice is Manning. They have a decent defense and a good running game but their QBs are one of the worst in the league. If Manning comes back healthy he makes them an instant contender. I believe Flynn is their #2 option, runs a similar offense and is an upgrade over Jackson and Whitehurst. The wildcard again may be Tannehill. If all other options are expunged then grabbing him at #12 could be the solution. See Jake Locker, Christian Ponder as examples.

There will still be other options out there as well. In my mind you will have a few decent QB's who have upside. Don't forget, Dalton was a great potential guy who probably would still be riding the bench if Palmer would have come back to the Bengals...

As far as free agents? You have the "potential" free agents of guys like Alex Smith, Kyle Orton, and Jason Campbell ... who aren't anything special but could all come in and at least be a veteran leader (similar to how we brought in Delhomme for a season while we patched other areas up).

I could see Alex Smith going to Seattle? Maybe Orton? Heck - Derek Anderson is still an option if some team wants to bring him in while they groom a young QB. Then you will still have the long list of guys who might be able to be 'decent' even though they don't exactly glimmer of hope ...

Guys like:

Chad Henne
Brady Quinn
Kyle Boller
Vince Young
Dennis Dixon
Kellen Clemens

And then you still have some backups who never got a great chance to prove themselves and could be the "Matt Flynns" in a year or two if they get spot time and back it up. Specifically I am lookin at Brian Hoyer and Chase Daniel ... both could be at least as good as some of the guys I listed above.

And you are right ... they could always grab a tannehill or Foles / Cousins / Osweiler / Weedon ... etc.

Or why not just go with Charlie Whitehurst for a season and perhaps select a guy like Barkely next year? I mean ... obviously Carroll would have to scout him and see if he liked him / could get along with him and all ..

I don't think Cleveland will go after a FA QB.

I think Miami will get a FA QB, be it Manning or Flynn. If somehow they were to lose out on both, I think Sherman convinces Philbin to draft Tannehill.

I don't think Seattle will try to get a QB unless it's Manning. I expect that they will try to trade down and acquire an additional 1st round pick to make a run at Barkley next year.

I think Washington's disinterest in Flynn is genuine. I think they sign Manning or trade up for RGIII.

I think Manning says "screw you guys, I'm going to go play for who I want, not who you want me to" and signs with someone else altogether. Maybe San Fran or Houston.

The way things are shaking out as I type... it looks to me like this is how the 2012 starters will match up:

WAS - RGIII
MIA - Flynn
CLE - McCoy
SF - Manning
SEA - Jackson

Tannehill could go to Dallas, Philly, or Cleveland at 22 in this scenario. I don't like this scenario.

what happens to Flynn IYO if Manning goes to Miami then?

(and I think Miami is the best slot for Peyton if he brings Wayne and they already have Marshall, Bess, Reggie, a good OL. just a custom-built offense for him)

Pres, I know you and a few fans and a bunch of pundits say that Cleveland is in that mix. but I am not at all convinced that the Browns think they are in that mix.

Yeah, I can't figure that out.

Here's my thing, if Flynn is really good, then Philbin will know that better than anybody and should be willing to pay him the most. If these WCO guys are as stubborn as our WCO guys, are they going to want to bring a guy like Manning who will only be there 2-3 years and insist on playing his own ball? Or are they going to sign someone that already knows their offense and will be around 8+ years?

Only way I don't see Flynn being their 1st option is if he isn't any good. And if he isn't any good, then who will want him? And if he isn't any good, they're down to Tannehill or Manning (or both.)

Report: Browns expected to make a play for Matt Flynn
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on February 23, 2012, 11:04 PM EST

Getty ImagesThere has been a lot of chatter at the Combine about the Browns trying to trade up for Robert Griffin III.

But what if Cleveland has already invested big bucks in a quarterback well before the draft?

Steve Doerschuk of the Canton Repository writes the Browns brass “will make a play for Matt Flynn” with the hopes of making Flynn the team’s starter. They will have competition, though.

“There will be a budget that will not be exceeded in the play for Flynn,” Doerschuk writes.

That budget may have to include draft picks if the Packers use the franchise tag on Flynn. The Green Bay Press-Gazette believes that’s a “real possibility.”

Doerschuk believes the Dolphins are ultimately the favorites for Flynn. Miami might not be confident in their ability to get a rookie quarterback to build around and coach Joe Philbin’s history with Flynn gives Miami inside knowledge. (Let’s assume that’s a positive.)

Teams like Cleveland and Washington are in a tough spot. They may want Griffin, but can they wait for him and risk getting stuck in another season without a real quarterback?

Flynn

Cleveland Browns have had preliminary talks with the Rams about trading up to No. 2 for Griffin III, report says
Published: Tuesday, February 28, 2012, 2:01 PM
By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND -- The Browns are one of three teams with a top 10 draft pick that have had "very preliminary talks'' with the Rams about trading up for the No. 2 pick to draft Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin, Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Tuesday.

The Browns have the No. 4 and No. 22 picks in the first round.

The other two teams in the top 10 are Washington at No. 6 and Miami at No. 8.

No offers have been made, and some of the teams might be out of the running if they sign a quarterback in free agency. The Dolphins might pursue Green Bay back up Matt Flynn in free agency or a trade if he's franchised and the Redskins and Dolphins might also have interest in Peyton Manning.

The Browns would most likely have to surrender both first-round picks and possibly another pick, depending on the competing offers.

As one team source told the Post-Dispatch, "It's not like we're going to trade the pick for a seventh-rounder.''

Rams new coach Jeff Fisher made it clear at the Combine that the Rams will be willing to deal the pick.

"We have a lot of options and we're going to be prepared to do whatever,'' he said. "It's a great opportunity, and it will define the immediate and hopefully the long-term future of this franchise.''

He added that the trade could happen before draft day. Talks could heat up at the NFL Owners Meetings in Palm Beach, Florida, Mar. 24-28.

"If we're in a situation where we've got another member club that's expressed interest, and the deal's good, it could be done before the draft, we just don't know,'' Fisher said. "We'll be prepared.''

Griffin III boosted his stock at the Combine with a good height measurement (6-2 3/8), great interviews and an official 4.41 in the 40. He also contended that he ran faster in the 40 -- a 4.35 -- according to what he was told on the field. He'll throw at the Pro Day at Baylor on Mar. 21.

The Rams have also had preliminary discussions with teams outside the top 10, according to the paper.

The Redskins might have the inside track so far because of strong relationships between Kevin Demoff, the Rams' executive vice president of football operations and Redskins manager Bruce Allen; and coaches Fisher and Mike Shanahan.

Browns coach Pat Shurmur, who was Rams offensive coordinator in 2009 and 2010, said at the Combine that "anything's possible'' in this draft, including a trade up to No. 2.

RG3

Not sure what mix they're not apart of

If you start with the premise that the Browns are in " desperate need" of a qb, you set yourself up for failure.

The Browns aren't desperate to move up
They shouldn't move up
And I hope they Don't move up.

Flynn, will probably go to Seattle or Cleveland
Peyton Manning, I couldn't give rats where he goes
Luck is about assuredly a Colt
and RG3 is only the 2nd option, and the Browns don't even want him, ( it's been said some of the coaches aren't even sure how they'd use him.)

So the Browns are looking at Flynn, or Tannehill, or RG3 the 3rd option, or stick with McCoy and get someone later, like Wheeden or other.
Maybe they are secretly going to go after someone like Kyle Orton or Jason Campbell.
So today's top options should be
Jason Campbell, or Matt Flynn as one

RG3 or Ryan Tannehill as two

Anyone else as 3rd.

IT could have just been the phrasing of the question.

"Will you look to bring in a Free Agent QB?"

"We always look to bring in players, but as we have said we want to build through the draft. Now, we will definitely look for a player and scour all of our options, but you need to do that knowing that you might have to pay more for a free agent as opposed to just drafting one yourself.'

And just like that I made up an obviously fake statement just to show how a reasonable Holmgren-style answer could be turned into

"Browns could look to Free agent QB's - including Flynn - but won't pay top dollar or exceed their budget!"

Come on,, I said the pundits,, Maybe I should be clearer.. THE MEDIA is saying they are interested. THE MEDIA is saying they are having talks with St. Louis..

Where are thier sources, who are thier sources,, or, is it more pot stirring?

Rosenthal is quoting Steve Doerschuk of the Canton Repository with the Flynn info, but no mention in the first article about St. Louis or RG3.. all they say is;

Quote:

---

There has been a lot of chatter at the Combine about the Browns trying to trade up for Robert Griffin III

---

Mary Kay is quoting Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

They aren't even saying, "sources from the browns or sources from the Rams" Just saying other media types are saying it.

SO, if you wanna take that as fact.. Be my guest... I won't

It is February. Free agency hasn't started, yet and all 32 teams are preparing for the Draft in all aspects.... that includes every team talking to every other team about what it might take to trade up or down to any/every spot.

Those details do NOT get worked out on Draft day when they only have 5, 10, or 15 minutes on the clock.... they happen this time of year when there is absolutely nothing else on the team's schedules but this kind of stuff.


So, yes, there is little doubt that the Browns have talked to the Rams... but that isn't really saying anything at all. Just as it won't be saying much at all next year when we're "rumored" to be talking to another team about moving into or out of another draft slot.

the other mitigating factor in the Miami QB decision is their owner who has stated he wants to make a "splash" and hasn't minded undermining his coaching staff in the past (interviewing Harbaugh).

I agree though that if Peyton isn't healthy and Miami doesn't make a big play for Flynn, then that does not speak well to Flynn.



for the article though, they failed to mention who will be the real possible loser in all of this search for a QB. The Rams. if the top teams in the draft fill via FA (other than 1 team), then their bargaining power is gone. Plus, they will be stuck with Bradford who looked like anything but a franchise QB last year (he was worse than Colt before he got hurt).

Quote:

---

and RG3 is only the 2nd option, and the Browns don't even want him, ( it's been said some of the coaches aren't even sure how they'd use him.)

---

It's been said by whom?

Here's the thing Purp,, I got 50 bucks in my pocket right now, I'll bet anyone that there was a conversation between someone from the browns and someone from the Rams... I can almost guarantee it.

But it means absolutly nothing. NOTHING., These are called feelers. is there something there.. is there a way to better our team? If they aren't making those calls or having those conversations, there is something wrong with the way they operate.

but talking don't mean anything..


those that want to see us trade a bunch of picks to get RG3 want to make more of it than there is. And who do you suppose that is? MEDIA..that gives them something to talk about.. and Fans, cause it gives them something to talk about..

What' s it mean......NOTHING. yet

QB is definitely an area this organization is looking to upgrade at. Now it may not be the #1 priority. They may value WR, DE, CB, or OL even more but if they get the chance to get a better QB in here they're going to do it. If McCoy had shown any promise then it might be a different story and he would probably be getting another season to prove himself with more talent (he still may if all else fails) but what did he show. Sure he's a likeable guy with good leadership qualities but when it came to gamedays he made poor throws, bad decisions, lacked any threat to go deep, etc. When it came to his actual performance I saw more Quinn and Frye than I did a potential starting QB. Granted he still has time to develop and could turn it around but after last seasons performance this team has to be looking at a possible upgrade.

Quote:

---

QB is definitely an area this organization is looking to upgrade at.

---

Maybe,, or maybe it's just what the fans and media want. Maybe they (powers in Berea) feel that McCoy will improve enough to make it moot!

I'm sticking with my guess that the Browns will use the picks this year to upgrade everything around the Offense and stick with McCoy one more year.

We'll see who's right at some point.. and no, I'm not at all afraid of being wrong.... Actually, I'm pretty used to it

What i think is funny is how ESPN keeps talking about how Miami, Washington, Cleveland and maybe some other teams are going to get in a bidding war for RG3.

but what happens when Miami signs Flynn, Manning signs with Cleveland, and Washington is the only team left without a QB...that price DROPS.

Or...Washington signs Flynn, and Peyton signs with Miami, and Cleveland is the only team offering.

Why is ESPN wetting itself over this bidding war when itll likely be 1 team maaaaaybe 2 after FA