Packers get in on Browns' spree, will try to salvage QB DeShone Kizer

Frank Schwab
·NFL writer

A year ago, quarterback DeShone Kizer was a borderline first-round prospect. He went in the second round to the Cleveland Browns, then had a nightmare rookie season.

The Green Bay Packers must have seen the Browns wheeling and dealing on Friday and noticed a buying opportunity. The Packers sent cornerback Damarious Randall to the Browns for Kizer. The teams also swapped picks in the fourth and fifth rounds, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The move makes sense for both teams. Kizer probably needed a change of scenery after Browns coach Hue Jackson mishandled him last season. Kizer threw 22 interceptions as the starter for 15 games of the Browns’ 0-16 season. He showed no improvement over the season, which was curious considering Jackson is an offensive-minded coach. The Browns traded for quarterback Tyrod Taylor in their flurry of moves Friday and have two top-four picks in this year’s draft, so Kizer became unnecessary. Randall wasn’t a bad return for a quarterback who wasn’t in their plans anymore.

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The Packers needed to find a better backup after last season’s debacle. Brett Hundley had some truly awful games after Aaron Rodgers was injured. The Packers hope to never use Kizer, because that means Rodgers stays healthy, but perhaps they can develop the upside that so many saw before last year’s draft. If nothing else, the Packers could rehabilitate Kizer’s career and trade him for a draft pick.

It’s a move that makes sense for both sides. For Kizer, it will be nice to get a fresh start.

Quarterback DeShone Kizer is on the move from the Browns to the Packers. (AP)
Quarterback DeShone Kizer is on the move from the Browns to the Packers. (AP)

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Frank Schwab is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdown.corner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!