Even though the Cleveland Browns don’t have an interest in bringing in Aaron Rodgers, his awaited decision is impacting them.
Rodgers is likely deciding between the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers, two teams that QB Russell Wilson also has some level of interest in. The expectation is that the domino with Rodgers falls, and the landing spot for Wilson will become more clear. Cleveland is one of the teams interested in Wilson.
The Browns have to have a backup plan though to add to the quarterback room that consists of Kenny Pickett and an injured Deshaun Watson. Cleveland has been connected to an interesting name that they’ve passed on before.
Browns and free agent QB Carson Wentz have ‘mutual interest’ in each other
According to Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot, the Browns and free agent QB Carson Wentz have ‘mutual interest’ in him signing if the Browns miss out on Wilson. Back in 2016 under a different front office and coaching staff, the Browns traded the No. 2 pick to the Philadelphia Eagles and they drafted Wentz.
Cleveland would be making a mistake if they chose to bring him in as a starter nearly a decade later. A trade for Kirk Cousins down the road or even free agent QB Joe Flacco could be more effective signings for the Browns. Wentz hasn’t started multiple games in a season since 2022 with the Washington Commanders.
In 2022, Wentz threw 11 touchdowns to nine interceptions along with 1,755 passing yards in seven starts. The previous season, Wentz threw for 27 touchdowns and just seven interceptions with the Indianapolis Colts in 17 starts.
The former No. 2 overall pick spent his entire rookie contract and fifth-year option with the Eagles before they moved on to Jalen Hurts. Wentz hasn’t played at a starter level since 2021 and a team hasn’t made a move to make him a starter in three seasons. So, we’re supposed to believe he can now be that for the Browns?
Wentz was the backup to Patrick Mahomes last season in Kansas City with the Chiefs for a few games and made one start. Wentz completed 12-of-19 passes for 118 yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Wentz doesn’t clear the level of play that Pickett offers, so it would be tough for the Browns to believe that is a suitable QB plan. Cleveland plans to draft a quarterback still, but they likely aren’t the Week 1 starter.
Jobs are tied to getting the most important position in the game right, and the Browns would be doing themselves a disservice with Wentz as the starter.
