The Browns are looking for a quarterback to compete with incumbent starter Brandon Weeden in 2013. Two of the names they were looking at — Matt Moore and Brian Hoyer — were taken out of the mix on Saturday.
That increases the chances the Browns will attempt to trade for Patriots backup Ryan Mallett, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. One source told the Plain Dealer they still expect the Browns to trade for Mallett, while another said they don’t think Bill Belichick will want to part with the 24-year-old quarterback.
Mallett was a third-round pick in 2011 out of Arkansas. He had character concerns coming out, including reported drug allegations. He has been a model citizen since coming to Foxboro.
The Arkansas product has attempted just four career passes. He has one completion for 17 yards with an interception. During the 2012 preseason, Mallett completed 49.3 percent of his passes. He had 300 yards on 67 attempts with three touchdowns and one interception.
