No easy answer to Browns’ quarterback situation

ESPN's Pat McManamon polled fellow AFC North reporters about how they would handle Cleveland's quarterback conundrum. As you'd expect, there wasn't a consensus.

The debate focuses on a trio of signal callers. Brock Osweiler, acquired in a salary dump from Houston, was terrible in 2016, but is the lone veteran option. Second-year pass Cody Kessler was acceptable in his rookie campaign, but his limited upside doesn’t inspire anyone to force him snaps. DeShon Kizer, a big armed promising rookie, was messy his final season at Notre Dame and likely needs a longer development period.

Jeremy Fowler, ESPN’s Steelers reporter, favored Kessler. He credited it simply to Osweiler’s struggles and Kizer needing a year of seasoning.

Jamison Hensley, reporting on the Ravens, opines Osweiler is the way to go. He said at least Osweiler has experience winning, and using him as a one-year stopgap for Kizer wouldn’t be the worst thing.

Katherine Terrell for the Bengals said Cleveland should toss Kizer into the fire if he looks ready. Otherwise, let the other two battle it out. She expects Kizer to play this season sooner or later.

What Terrell suggested is the bottom line: If Kizer is ready, he should play. Even if he’s not, the emphasis should be on his preparation while Osweiler or Kessler takes the first snaps. The Browns haven’t won because they haven’t found a quarterback. If they think Kizer can be that guy, how he’s handled will make all the difference.

About the Author