Jimmy Haslem’s complete renovation of his staff has sparked interest this offseason between media and players. Cleveland Browns former 22nd overall pick, Quarterback Brandon Weeden has claimed he wants out. Though most people have already labeled Weeden as a bust, I feel there might actually be some teams out there that are interested in bringing Weeden along.
It has been only two years since Weeden was drafted by the Cleveland Browns. It may just be me, but I feel it is way too early to label him as a bust. In Weeden’s two years with the team, he has already experienced multiple coaching and general manager changes. Much like what Alex Smith and Sam Bradford experienced in their first few seasons with either new head coaches or offensive coordinators, Weeden has found it hard to put together a successful season when constantly required to learn new offenses.
So has Weeden shown enough for any team to be interested? Why not? Weeden has been with the most “dysfunctional” franchise in the league. The only thing the Browns have had going for them on offense since Weeden got there is Josh Gordon.
Considering all of the changes in the Browns organization these past few years, getting rid of a quarterback they don’t believe in isn’t too far-fetched. However, he would more than likely not be going if Cleveland gets nothing in return. I feel Cleveland would be able to get a mid to late draft pick for Weeden.
Teams in need of a quarterback may be interested in taking a chance on Weeden for that price. Since he is no longer worth an early draft pick, it isn’t too risky to try him out. A team that may decide to trade for Weeden, or pick him up if Browns decide to cut him, will have the luxury of spending their early picks on other needs.
Brandon Weeden may not succeed in the NFL, but I think it is too early to tell. Maybe a fresh start will be good for Weeden, or maybe he will never get another opportunity to start. For what he could be worth though, I think a team should opt to jump at this opportunity.
I doubt anyone will be willing to trade anything valuable for Weeden. If they can get a late round pick, they should take it, otherwise a team will just scoop him up when he gets cut.