The Cleveland Browns have made some significant changes to their roster in preparation for the upcoming season. One of the notable moves includes the release of quarterback Tyler Huntley on Thursday, reducing their QB options to three after a tumultuous 2023 season which saw them utilize five different quarterbacks due to injuries.
Huntley signed with the team in March, but was let go as second-year quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson showcased a strong performance during training camp and the preseason, outshining Huntley.
Heading into their season opener against Dallas on Sept. 8, the Browns will rely on Deshaun Watson, Jameis Winston, and Thompson-Robinson as their three quarterbacks. Thompson-Robinson, who had three starts and played in eight games as a rookie last year, secured his place on the roster with his excellent performance.
In addition to releasing Huntley, the Browns also brought back veteran running back D’Onta Foreman, who had been released earlier in the week. With star running back Nick Chubb still recovering from knee surgeries, Foreman’s return provides much-needed depth in the backfield.
Foreman, who had a frightening injury scare during training camp, has since recovered and played in the team’s final two exhibition games, scoring a touchdown against Minnesota.
On the financial front, the Browns restructured Deshaun Watson’s contract for the third time, converting a large portion of his base salary into a signing bonus. This move frees up significant salary-cap space for the team.
Andrew Berry, the Browns’ general manager, has aimed to create financial flexibility by revising contracts with key players like Watson, who signed a massive $230 million deal over five years in 2022 after initially rejecting offers from Cleveland.
Huntley, who previously served as Lamar Jackson’s backup in Baltimore, signed a one-year deal with Cleveland after a stint with the Ravens. It is expected that Huntley will find a new team, given his experience and potential as a backup quarterback to reinforce other teams’ rosters.
The Browns have been no strangers to quarterback challenges, especially after dealing with multiple injuries last season. Despite these setbacks, the team managed to secure a playoff spot with the help of veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, who won four out of five starts for the Browns towards the end of the season.
