The Cleveland Browns have discussed a potential trade of second-year quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson with multiple teams, two league sources with knowledge of the discussions told The Athletic.
Thompson-Robinson has been competing with Tyler Huntley for Cleveland’s No. 3 quarterback job behind Deshaun Watson and Jameis Winston. Though a league source said the Browns have been willing to engage in discussions about moving Thompson-Robinson with teams looking to bolster their quarterback rooms, it’s unclear if Cleveland is close to a deal.
Free, daily NFL updates direct to your inbox.
Free, daily NFL updates direct to your inbox.
Sign Up
It’s possible that the Browns could try to use Thompson-Robinson as a trade piece to help them acquire an experienced offensive lineman — or an experienced player at another position — ahead of the Aug. 27 deadline to cut rosters to the regular-season size of 53. Longtime Browns starting offensive tackles Jedrick Wills Jr. and Jack Conklin remain on the physically unable to perform list with knee injuries as the Browns begin their practice week ahead of Saturday’s preseason finale in Seattle, and the team’s injuries across the offensive line and the back seven defensively have left playing-time plans for the final preseason game in limbo.
Thompson-Robinson was a fifth-round pick in 2023. He made three starts and a handful of other situational appearances as a rookie before suffering a hip injury that ended his season in December. The hip injury limited Thompson-Robinson in the spring, but he’s been a full participant this summer and has shown improved confidence and arm strength in his second training camp. His best play in Saturday’s preseason game was a throw on the run that drew a 28-yard pass interference penalty to give the Browns a first-and-goal at the Minnesota Vikings’ 1-yard line.
.@Jamari_Thrash with the conversion on fourth!#MINvsCLE on @WEWS and NFL+ pic.twitter.com/H5UwBnJR0l
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 17, 2024
The Browns signed Huntley in March because of his starting experience and because the team knew Watson and Thompson-Robinson would be limited through the spring. Watson and Winston have taken the bulk of the team drill reps this summer, with Thompson-Robinson and Huntley essentially splitting the others. Thompson-Robinson started Saturday’s preseason game and played the first half before Huntley took over. In the preseason opener, Winston played first, with Huntley and then Thompson-Robinson following.
Thompson-Robinson completed 53.6 percent of his passes as a rookie for 440 yards with one touchdown and four interceptions, three of which came in a disastrous first start on short notice against the Baltimore Ravens last October. Thompson-Robinson guided the Browns over the final 1:16 to set up the game-winning field goal by Dustin Hopkins in a 13-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers last November.
Thompson-Robinson, 24, is signed through 2026 on his standard rookie contract. Huntley, 26, started nine regular-season games for the Ravens over the last three seasons. He signed a one-year deal with Cleveland that includes $469,000 in guaranteed money.
Required reading
• Browns 53-man roster projection: Who will be QB No. 3, how many RBs make the team?
• Browns preseason: Cleveland encounters emergency situation at OT vs. Vikings
(Photo: Nick Cammett / Getty Images)
