Jets, Browns decide on starting quarterbacks for 2017

The New York Jets and Cleveland Browns are two potential competitors for a quarterback prospect in the 2018 NFL Draft, but for the time being, they have figured out their initial plans for 2017. The Browns announced over the weekend that rookie DeShone Kizer will be the starter when Week 1 arrives. The Jets announced on Monday that Josh McCown will be their starter.

Browns

The Browns drafted Kizer in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Prior to that they acquired Brock Osweiler and a second round pick from the Houston Texans in a salary dump. Those two competed with Cody Kessler, and Kizer emerged as clearly the best option. It is a low bar in Cleveland, but Kizer is talented.

The Browns have a lot of roster issues to deal with, but they’ll get a quick handle on what Kizer brings to the table heading into next year’s offseason. Spending a second on Kizer does not preclude them drafting a quarterback next year, but barring a truly disastrous season, they would seem unlikely to be spending a first round pick on the position.

Jets

The Jets are in full-blown tank mode, with no long-term answer at quarterback. Josh McCown was competing with Christian Hackenberg and Bryce Petty, in what was a pretty mediocre quarterback competition. They have a strong chance at the No. 1 overall pick in 2018, and odds seem pretty high they’ll spend that pick on a quarterback.

All 32 NFL teams have named their quarterback at this point. We’ll take a look at all 32 teams, and maybe drop them into tiers as it applies to plans in 2018. The San Francisco 49ers have Brian Hoyer, who looked solid in the third preseason game. He is signed through next season, but next offseason will feature some interesting decisions for the 49ers. There could be as many as five quarterbacks selected in the first round of the draft, and Kirk Cousins could be available when free agency opens. It’s safe to say next spring could get really interesting.