CLEVELAND, Ohio — If the Browns had Jacoby Brissett in their sights as a veteran backup, they can cross him off now.
Brissett, who backed up Deshaun Watson in Cleveland in 2022, agreed to terms on Tuesday with the Cardinals to be Kyler Murray’s backup, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
It removes him as a possibility for the Browns, who are still exploring veteran bridge QBs even after trading for former Steelers first round pick Kenny Pickett on Monday.
Brissett, 32, would’ve fit the Browns targeted profile of a quarterback who can start in place of their rookie if necessary, but also be a willing mentor and excellent team leader.
Brissett went 4-7 for the Browns in the first 11 games of 2022 when Watson was serving his 11-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Brissett was also an excellent team leader, and was voted the team’s Good Guy by the local chapter of the Pro Football Writers of America.
But instead of mentoring the Browns new rookie quarterback, which could be Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders, Brissett will serve in that capacity for Murray, the Cardinals’ franchise QB.
Brissett, who went on to play for the Commanders in 2023 and Patriots in 2024 after leaving Cleveland, went 1-4 in New England last season, but the Browns have more talent.
With Brissett eliminated as an option, the Browns will continue to consider other options, including Russell Wilson if the Steelers sign Aaron Rodgers, and Joe Flacco, who went 4-1 for the Browns in 2023 and led them to a wild card playoff berth at 11-6. Flacco is believed to be also drawing some interest from the Giants, who are reportedly also in the running for Rodgers.
The Browns are interested in Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, but Atlanta might not be willing to trade or release him before the NFL draft next month, a league source said. He’s due a $10 million roster bonus on Monday, and the Falcons will either pay it, release him, or try to trade him.
Other available QBs include Marcus Mariota, Carson Wentz, and Tyler Huntley.
Football Insider newsletter free trial: Take a minute and sign up for a free trial of our Football Insider newsletter, featuring exclusive content from cleveland.com’s Browns reporters.
