Before you read this: yes, we know. The words “Browns” and “future” don’t sound well together in a sentence. But that’s exactly what the Cleveland Browns have. After years of searching, trading and wasting draft picks, it seems the franchise finally has their quarterback of the future. And it’s no other than Cody Kessler.
It’s weird to mention Kessler as the Browns starting QB of the future, especially after the team acquired Robert Griffin III this offseason. But the 23-year-old signal caller has given the Browns fans some hope. He doesn’t shine and he doesn’t make acrobatic plays, but he’s dependable. And he has limited the mistakes to a minimum. After all, we’re talking about a guy who’s tallied over 220 passing yards in two of his last three games.
The numbers back him up, too. The rookie from USC has four touchdowns to only one interception, and he already has 865 passing yards and a 65,6% completion rate in his four starts. Kessler was going to back Griffin III up, but he’s thrived as a starter. And just like Dak Prescott for the Dallas Cowboys, Kessler is ready to perform at the highest level.
As if his recent numbers weren’t enough, Kessler has also developed a rapport with Terrelle Pryor. We already know Isaiah Crowell is one of the most productive running backs in the league. But can you imagine how good the Browns would look with a competent QB, RB and WR on the roster?
It remains to be seen if he’ll be able to maintain the level of play he’s evidenced in the last few weeks. But there’s no question the Browns need some kind of silver lining. And the signal caller has given Cleveland a sign of hope for the future. It might not be now and it might not be next year, but the Browns need to stick with Kessler to see what they have in him.
After all, there are so many holes in the roster that they need to addrress them sooner than later. And why waste a pick in a quarterback when they already have a competent one in the roster? Kessler might not take Cleveland to the playoffs, but he’s undeniably the team’s best option right now. And he’ll prove the fans its worth sooner than later.