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Our preview on the Browns’ exclusive rights free agents starts with QB Kevin Hogan.
How and When He Joined the Browns: Hogan was a 5th round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2016. When final roster cuts were due, the Chiefs waived him, and he signed with Cleveland’s practice squad. The Browns had shown interest in him around the draft, bringing him in to Berea for a visit. By October, he was called up to the 53-man roster, replacing veteran QB Charlie Whitehurst.
Productivity Level Last Season: Hogan had a very impressive preseason despite being the fourth quarterback on the depth chart. He completed 21-of-32 passes for 269 yards and 3 touchdowns. When the regular season came around, he became the backup to starter DeShone Kizer, leaping Cody Kessler on the depth chart.
Hogan replaced Kizer three times early in the year and provided a bit of a spark each time. In those first three games, he completed 26-of-38 passes for 377 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. In Week 6, Hue Jackson was frustrated enough with Kizer’s mistakes to name Hogan the new starting quarterback. Sadly, Hogan fell flat against the Houston Texans, completing 20-of-37 passes for 140 yards, 1 touchdown, and 3 interceptions. He didn’t see a snap the rest of the season.
Why Keeping Him Could Make Sense: It’s a shame that Hogan played poorly in his only start, because he made drastic improvements to his throwing motion from 2016 to 2017, and he also has a very sneaky sense of mobility to him. The Browns are expected to add two quarterbacks — one in free agency and one in the draft. Kizer would also remain with the club. Cleveland will carry four quarterbacks most of the offseason and into camp, so who should that fourth quarterback be? Kessler or Hogan? I’d say Hogan.
What the Browns Should Do: For most ERFAs, I advocate the minimum tender because there is no risk to it. The question is more so whether the team should attempt a longer contract. With Hogan, there’s no need for a longer-term deal — the team should tender him for $630,000.
Let us know below whether or not the team should try to tender or re-sign Kevin Hogan!