Cleveland Browns Sign Quarterback Tyler Thigpen

Jul 26, 2014; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Tyler Thigpen (4) during training camp at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 26, 2014; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Tyler Thigpen (4) during training camp at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Browns have agreed to a contract with quarterback Tyler Thigpen.

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Tyler Thigpen last played in meaningful time with the Kansas City Chiefs back in the 2008 season, when he stepped in and played 14 regular season games. He actually showed some talent in those appearances, but it wasn’t enough to get him a shot at another starting job.

The Cleveland Browns appeared to be legitimate playoff contenders just a few short weeks ago, but now they are eliminated from the playoffs and wrecked at the quarterback position. Both Johnny Manziel and Brian Hoyer are out for their Week 17 season finale, and the only other quarterback on the roster is rookie Conner Shaw. Due to only having one healthy quarterback, the Browns decided to go out and sign Thigpen to a deal.

It is unclear whether or not Thigpen will see any playing time, but more than likely he will end up being Shaw’s backup and sitting on the bench unless an injury occurs.

In 29 career NFL games, Thigpen has thrown for 3,222 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions. He has some of the skills to be a solid backup quarterback, but he has some bad inconsistencies as well.

At the age of 30, Thigpen simply doesn’t have a ton of time left in the NFL before he calls it a career. If he does get on the field, he will be playing to prove to another team that he deserves one more chance. Cleveland likely will end up going with Shaw to start the game, but they probably wouldn’t be opposed to making a switch if Shaw plays poorly.

Cleveland fans have to be extremely frustrated with the way the season ended after being leaders in the AFC North with a good chance to make the playoffs not too long ago. It doesn’t seem like the curse is ever going to be lifted off of the Browns’ franchise, and the quarterback situation is still very murky moving forward towards the future.

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