5 replacements for Robert Griffin III in Cleveland

By John Buhler | Sep 12, 2016

Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Connor Barwin (98) sacks Cleveland Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 29-10. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

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CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 30: Josh McCown /

1. Josh McCown

In all honesty, Cleveland has to go with Josh McCown the rest of the way. This isn’t because they absolutely have to, but rather that he is the best backup quarterback in the NFL. McCown is a journeyman signal caller that is elite at learning new offenses.

He thrived in Marc Trestman’s all-out aerial assault with the 2013 Chicago Bears before becoming the Buccaneers starter in 2014. His stint in Tampa Bay was terrible, as the Buccaneers went 2-14 and got to pick Jameis Winston No. 1 overall as a result in 2015.

McCown went to the Browns last season and was the Week 1 starter before an arm injury shortened his season. He’s not going to be the clown show that was Manziel in 2015. McCown brings a veteran presence and stability to a young Browns receiving corps.

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Signing Griffin might have been a flash move to keep Browns fans interested before an inevitable rebuild in 2016. McCown can groom this young offensive weapons for Jackson before Cleveland makes a serious upgrade at quarterback in 2017.

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