For now, Browns have Oswelier

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

The Browns found a franchise quarterback, just maybe not their own.

Cleveland acquired Brock Osweiler and a 2018 second-round pick on Thursday in a stunning trade with the Houston Texans, who were looking for a partner to help them get rid of the QB’s contract.

The deal will give the Browns more assets to perhaps trade for a future quarterback, and it allows the Texans to clear some salary-cap space to make a run at a starter.

The Browns and Texans are also swapping fourth- and sixth-round picks in 2017, said a person with knowledge of the trade, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the details were not made public.

Cleveland, which spent millions on the first day of the free agency signing period by landing former Bengals right guard Kevin Zeitler and giving left guard Joel Bitonio a five-year extension, has been searching for a franchise QB for more than a decade.

The team has not decided what it will do with Osweiler, said the source, adding his arrival does not necessarily affect any decisions on Robert Griffin III.

Osweiler gives the Browns more options and it’s possible they could use him to entice another team to make a trade.

The Browns have plenty of ammunition to finally get their messy quarterback situation cleaned up. Following a 1-15 season, Cleveland owns the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft, the No. 12 spot and six of the first 65 selections.

With nearly $102 million in salary-cap space to start the day, the Browns were in a position to take on Osweiler’s contract and get another high draft pick.

Osweiler went 8-6 in 14 starts for Houston last season. The Texans are in the market to upgrade the position in free agency or through a trade, and there’s a strong chance they’ll take a run at Tony Romo, who is expected to be traded or released by the Dallas Cowboys.

ELSEWHERE

Everyone expected a free agency flurry when the NFL’s year began on Thursday. Predicting what happened with Osweiler was beyond anyone’s projections.

Far more predictable was Chicago releasing Jay Cutler, who had no guaranteed money left on his contract. Cutler led the Bears to the 2010 NFC championship game, but otherwise struggled in Chicago.

Yet another QB soon to be on the move, the Cowboys’ Tony Romo teasingly told fans in a tweeted video: “Hey everyone. I just wanted to come to tell you it’s been a crazy 48 hours here. Me and my family felt the outpouring of support and love from all of you. It’s been overwhelming and it doesn’t go unnoticed. I want to say thank you and we have a lot of think about going forward but we’ll see what happens. Until then I’m just going to keep listening to Bob Dylan.”

Romo could be headed to East Texas to replace Osweiler now that the Texans have room to pay him. Whether Dallas releases its longtime quarterback or works out a trade will soon be known.

Among the busiest teams were the Buccaneers and Eagles, each getting a dangerous receiver for its young passer.

Tampa Bay brought in DeSean Jackson to team with Mike Evans as targets for Jameis Winston.

Jackson is one of five players since the 1970 merger with 26 or more career touchdowns of 50-plus yards. Only Hall of Famer Jerry Rice (23) has more than Jackson’s 22 touchdowns of 60-plus yards.

The Buccaneers also added defensive tackle Chris Baker, late of Washington.

Philadelphia got perhaps the most covered wideout available in Alshon Jeffery, who left Chicago, and also agreed to terms with Torrey Smith, who was cut by San Francisco. Carson Wentz now has two more downfield threats than he did in his rookie season.

Philly also grabbed guard Chance Warmack and released DE Connor Barwin.

Miami finalized a trade of guard Branden Albert to Jacksonville for tight end Julius Thomas, then added TE Anthony Fasano. The Dolphins kept outstanding safety Reshad Jones, who got a $60 million, five-year contract extension.

Jacksonville bolstered its defense when it agreed to terms with Houston cornerback A.J. Bouye, Arizona defensive end Calais Campbell and Dallas safety Barry Church on deals totaling more than $150 million.

The 25-year-old Bouye agreed to a five-year deal worth $67.5 million, with $26 million guaranteed. Bouye was considered the top cornerback on the market and will start opposite budding star Jalen Ramsey.

The 30-year-old Campbell had 501 tackles, eight forced fumbles and three interceptions in nine seasons with the Cardinals. He also missed just six games.