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According to Yahoo Sports insider Rand Getlin, the Browns signed quarterback Thad Lewis today:
Source: QB Thad Lewis has signed a one-year deal with the #Browns.
— Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) March 12, 2015
As one fan humorously pointed out:
At least we don't have to update the QB list when Thad Lewis inevitably starts.
— Pete (@Extrordnaryhair) March 12, 2015
That's right, Lewis started for the Browns in the final game of the 2012 season, a 24-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. In that game, he went 22-of-32 for 204 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception. That means his name is already on the infamous list of QBs to start a game for the Browns since the return in '99.
Daryl Ruiter of 92.3 The Fan points out Thad's career stats:
Thad Lewis career numbers - 7 games, 6 starts, 115-189 (60.8%), 1,296 yards, 5 TDs, 4 INTs, 81.4 rating with #Browns #Bills
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) March 12, 2015
Those games with the Bills came in 2013, meaning that Lewis has ties to this coaching staff. He played in six games with Buffalo in 2013, starting five. This was when Mike Pettine was the defensive coordinator there.
Lewis has even greater ties with the Browns coaching staff, though. Browns Senior Offensive Assistant Kurt Roper was his college offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Duke. So it would seem that the coaching staff has a lot of familiarity with Lewis.
The Browns retain Johnny Manziel and Connor Shaw from last year. Brian Hoyer left for Houston in free agency. The Browns signed Josh McCown after he was released by Tampa Bay. Now they also signed Thad Lewis.
That gives leaves Manziel, McCown, Lewis, and Shaw as the QBs currently on the Browns roster. Manziel is a wildcard. McCown is the most likely to start if Manziel does not. Lewis is here to be a backup and a guy capable of starting in an emergency.
Browns fans, what do you think about this free agent signing?