Browns rumors: Cody Kessler is starting QB to open camp

Cody Kessler has officially been announced as the Cleveland Browns’ lead man going into training camp.

Cody Kessler, the 2016 third round pick out of USC, appears to have a head start on the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competition.

Kessler was Cleveland’s leading passer last year. He started eight games and threw for 1380 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions. The half-dozen touchdowns were tied for tops on the team along with Josh McCown.

In the spring, Sashi Brown decided to amp up the position by trading for Houston Texans’ quarterback Brock Osweiler along with a 2017 sixth-round pick. In return, they received a 2018 second-rounder and a 2017 fourth.

They also used a second on DeShone Kizer, the dynamic signal-caller out of Notre Dame. Notwithstanding the crowded depth chart, Kessler will get the first crack at earning the starting nod:

Kessler earned this opportunity by being semi-competent during his rookie year. That may seem disrespectful, but it’s where Cleveland is at right now.

Osweiler might eventually earn the starting role. He’s the most experienced at the position. He turned a 5-2 record with the Denver Broncos into a huge deal with the Texans. Unfortunately, he only lasted one season in Houston, winning eight of his 14 games as the starter. He will get another chance to prove his worth in the NFL despite throwing more interceptions than touchdowns last year.

Kizer is the wild card in this race. He probably possesses the best physical tools of any of the play-callers. It will all depend on how fast he can pick up an NFL offense.

By the start of the regular season, Kessler’s chance could mean nothing. This may simply be Jackson paying homage to the quarterback who is most familiar with his system. Right now we don’t know.

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What we do know, though, is this will be one of the most interesting position battles to watch throughout the preseason.