Kessler started half the Browns games a year and he is still looking for his first win in that role. He completed 65 percent of his passes, throwing six touchdowns against only two interceptions.
“He’s still the guy who knows the offense the best, and he’s the guy who’s played the most football for us in that group,” Jackson said. “I think he deserves the chance to walk out there first.”
Brock Osweiler has experience on his side, but nobody really thought he and his $72 million contract would still be with the Browns after he was traded from Houston in a surprising deal last March.
Cleveland picked up DeShone Kizer in the second round of the draft with the 52nd overall pick. The former Notre Dame quarterback was impressive in minicamp and also is in the mix for the starting gig.
“I think DeShone did a good job, but he’s still growing and still learning,” Jackson said. “All of those guys are going to walk out there to compete to play. We talk about DeShone more than we do Brock and more than we do Kevin (Hogan), but I think all four of those guys are going to have to have the opportunity to walk out there and compete because I think that’s the right way to run this.”
Jackson did not give a timetable for naming his starting quarterback, noting that the answer will come as the process plays out next month.
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