At this point, calling the Deshaun Watson trade and extension a complete flop is safe. Not only did the team give up a fortune for what they thought was the next franchise quarterback, but they traded away a guy who was the best they’d had in decades in Baker Mayfield.
These tragic series of events have left fans desperate for a franchise quarterback, but one reporter rightfully warns that development is more important than rushing them to the field.
Daryl Ruiter of 92.3 the Fan tweeted that neither Dillion Gabriel nor Shedeur Sanders are ready at this point to play. Gabriel appears closer than Sanders, but both have a long way to go. Ruiter also mentions that he hopes circumstances don’t prevent them from sticking to the development plan.
This take is spot on, the Cleveland Browns can’t afford an injury to Kenny Pickett or early failures from Joe Flacco in the regular season to force their hand and play one of the rookies. There is a fine line between getting them plenty of reps and throwing them to the wolves and destroying their confidence.
It’s more important than ever that Kevin Stefanski sticks to his guns and gets the rookies plenty of snaps in the preseason, but does not rush them to the field before they are ready in the regular season.