CLEVELAND (AP) – The Browns found a franchise quarterback, just maybe not their own.
Cleveland acquired veteran Brock Oswelier and a 2018 second-round pick on Thursday in a stunning trade with the Houston Texans, who were looking for a partner to help them get rid of the QB’s $16 million guaranteed contract.
The deal gives the Browns more assets to perhaps trade for a quarterback such as New England backup Jimmy Garoppolo, and it allows the Texans to clear some salary-cap space to make a run at a starter.
Cleveland and Houston are also swapping 2017 fourth- and sixth-round picks.
The Browns, who spent millions on the first day of the free agency signing period by landing former Cincinnati Bengals right guard Kevin Zeitler and giving left guard Joel Bitonio a five-year extension, have been searching for a franchise QB for more than a decade. The team has not yet decided what it will do with Osweiler, and his arrival does not necessarily affect any decisions on Robert Griffin III, who is due a roster bonus this weekend.