Browns sign former Steelers quarterback amid Baker Mayfield drama

The Cleveland Browns signed a former rival in free agent quarterback Josh Dobbs, who used to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He’ll compete for a backup job.

Could Dobbs provide the Browns with some intel they could use against Pittsburgh? Heck, it’s worth a shot given how Cleveland’s season finished.

Yet, the Steelers’ offense should look a lot different in 2022, with Mitch Trubisky at quarterback and a myriad of weapons at his disposal. Matt Canada’s scheme — albeit not a guaranteed success — will look different than the 2021 version of the Steelers with Ben Roethlisberger.

Cleveland traded for Deshaun Watson for a reason, and he’ll be the starter once he’s back from suspension or cleared by the NFL. For now, though, Cleveland continues to prep for said absence by loading up on quarterbacks.

Browns sign Josh Dobbs: What does it mean?

It means Baker Mayfield is still on the outs, as if there were any doubt of that. The former No. 1 selection has demanded a trade out of Cleveland. But it’s tough to trade a player with that kind of salary, who will likely be made available in the weeks to come anyway.  Cleveland would settle for a draft pick, if anything.

So far, though, no dice.

Dobbs would line up as the Browns backup quarterback, or perhaps practice squad, should he outlast other signal-callers in training camp. He’s a flyer by Cleveland, and a wise one at that.