'Its Not Winston!' Browns Trade?

After using five quarterbacks last season, the Cleveland Browns signed veteran Jameis Winston to back up Deshaun Watson. The move was also a safety net in case Watson struggles early on.

The Browns made their final cuts on Tuesday, leaving four quarterbacks on the roster, which immediately began speculation that either Tyler Huntley or Jameis Winston could be traded, leaving Dorian Thompson-Robinson as the backup.

Browns insider Jordan Schultz took to X to shut those rumors down.

“The Browns never discussed trading or moving on from Jameis Winston,” Schultz wrote. “Cleveland is expected to make a quarterback move today, but it won’t involve Winston.”

There are a few quarterback-needy teams around the NFL that could use Huntley or even DTR if the Browns made him available.

This is a make-or-break season for Watson, at least in terms of reputation. Since being traded to Cleveland he has only played in 12 total games in two full seasons. With the rash of injuries that plagued the quarterback room last season, the Browns need a stable season from the position to be successful.

Related: Why'd Browns Keep 3 Deshaun Watson Backup QBs? Tracker

Even with five quarterbacks starting last year, the Browns won 11 games behind the strength of their defense.

The Browns open their season at home against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Sept. 8 on the FOX NFL Game of the Week.

Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. EDT.