Cleveland Browns to Release QB Tyler Huntley, Sign RB D’Onta Foreman
According to a report, the Cleveland Browns intend to release quarterback Tyler Huntley. The team is re-signing running back D’Onta Foreman.
According to report from Diana Russini of The Athletic, the Cleveland Browns are going to release quarterback Tyler Huntley. The move will get the Browns down to three quarterbacks and open up a roster spot. That clears the way for the Browns to re-sign running back D’Onta Foreman as reported by Jordan Schultz
The Browns could still potentially find a trade partner before the move becomes official, but the few teams that still need backup quarterback help have been willing to call the Browns’ bluff, knowing the organization needs that roster spot.
Huntley signed with the Browns almost in an internship role. The Browns have had a good run with quarterbacks coming to Cleveland and getting better opportunities elsewhere. Head Coach Kevin Stefanski has had a strong track record which has included Baker Mayfield, Jacoby Brissett, Joshua Dobbs and Joe Flacco. The Browns were also waiting on quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Dorian Thompson-Robinson to recover from season-ending injuries, so they needed a quarterback to rep during for OTAs and minicamp. Yes, Huntley was competing for a spot on the Browns, but he was likewise hoping to improve while auditioning for the other 31 teams.
DTR was clearly the better quarterback throughout training camp as well as the preseason. While the Browns reportedly took phone calls regarding both Jameis Winston and DTR, no one offered enough for the Browns to divert from their intention to keep their best three. DTR also has the advantage of being younger and still on his rookie deal.
With a roster spot open, the Browns will re-sign running back Foreman. He was the veteran with no guaranteed money on his deal that was released to enable the Browns to try to maximize the opportunities with their roster with every expectation he would be re-signed. Foreman’s new deal may include guaranteed money on it as a reward for doing them this favor.
This is a practice the Browns have used for several years. Previously, when it was a player like offensive tackle Greg Robinson, defensive tackle Maurice Hurst or guard Michael Dunn, it was for the sake of being able to carry a player onto the regular season roster. Once there, they would put them on injured reserve designated to return. However, since the NFL created a rule so teams could put two players on their new version of the PUP list which expedites that process, the Browns used it to try to gain some extra leverage in a potential trade for Huntley.
The question is whether the Browns will make any other moves. They still have a couple open spots on their practice squad, but they might not be done tweaking the active roster. They might want another nose tackle, but they may be content to promote rookie Jowon Briggs from the practice squad. They seemingly will want another running back on the practice squad as well.
