The Cleveland Browns are willing to listen to trade offers for sophomore quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, according to reports. Thompson-Robinson has been competing in camp for Cleveland's No. 3 quarterback job with Tyler Huntley. The Browns have Deshaun Watson and Jameis Winston at the position and may be disinterested in even keeping a third QB on the roster.
In Saturday's preseason loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Thompson-Robinson attempted an off-script throw on the run that drew a 28-yard pass interference. The Browns were awarded a 1st-and-goal at the 1-yard line. Thompson-Robinson's ability to create outside of structure should intrigue potential suitors.
The Browns selected Thompson-Robinson with a fifth-round choice in the 2023 NFL Draft. The former UCLA standout made three starts last season as a rookie and appeared in various other contests before suffering a season-ending injury in December, completing 53.6% of his passes for 440 yards with one touchdown and four interceptions. With roster cuts looming next Tuesday, trade discussions involving Thompson-Robinson could heat up.
We've identified three potential suitors that should consider acquiring a developmental quarterback who’s on his rookie contract through 2026.
GREEN BAY PACKERS
The Green Bay Packers arguably possess the worst backup situation in the NFL. Starting quarterback Jordan Love played in the first preseason contest, a win over Thompson-Robinson's Browns, going 2-for-2 with 63 yards and a touchdown. Thompson-Robinson impressed the Packers in that game as he completed 14-of-18 attempts for 134 yards.
Matt LaFleur's offense was significantly worse when Love didn't play in Week 2. The Packers were defeated 27-2 by the Denver Broncos. Sean Clifford was 6-of-10 for 43 yards with an interception. Michael Pratt went 10-of-16 for 52 yards and a lost fumble. Clifford and Pratt are not playing like league-average backup quarterbacks. Trading for Thompson-Robinson would upgrade LaFleur's options behind Love.
BUFFALO BILLS
Several Buffalo Bills quarterbacks have suffered injuries throughout training camp and the preseason. Shane Buechele suffered a neck injury in a Week 1 preseason defeat to the Chicago Bears. Bills general manager Brandon Beane responded by signing Ben DiNucci.
More recently, projected backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky suffered a multi-week knee injury that could make him miss the start of the regular season. Trubisky's injury forced Beane to sign another quarterback as he agreed to terms with veteran journeyman Anthony Brown. DiNucci, Buechele, and Brown aren't appropriate No. 2 quarterbacks. Thompson-Robinson could even be a long-term backup to Josh Allen in Buffalo.
MIAMI DOLPHINS
The Miami Dolphins are another AFC East team that could upgrade its backup quarterback situation. Skylar Thompson and Mike White have been abysmal through training camp. Thompson is a combined 16-of-34 (47% completion percentage) for 159 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and one fumble. White hasn't been any better, going 15-of-34 (44.1% completion percentage) for 142 yards and three fumbles.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel possesses a brilliant offensive mind. The work he's done with starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa proves he's capable of developing signal-callers. Thompson-Robinson has a raw skill set, but he's flashed growth and confidence in camp with Cleveland. Miami would be a terrific landing spot for Thompson-Robinson.
