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Cleveland Browns AFC North
Trade Details
BROWNS JETTISON QB KESSLER TO JAGS Wednesday, March 28, 2018
The Jacksonville Jaguars acquired quarterback Cody Kessler from the Cleveland Browns for a 7th-round draft pick in 2019.
What does it give the Jacksonville Jaguars?
Kessler is a proven backup who has shown he can be solid if called upon to start, and he comes with a very affordable contract. Look for him to hold the clipboard behind starter Blake Bortles, and for him to get a look from the Jags' coaching staff if Bortles struggles significantly or gets hurt. He replaces former backup Chad Henne, who's now with Kansas City.
What does it give the Cleveland Browns?
The Browns are yet again overhauling the offense, and there just wasn't room to keep Kessler around. Besides signing proven vet starters Tyrod Taylor and Drew Stanton this off-season, Cleveland is widely expected to draft a QB next month (making Kessler expendable despite his often-solid play).
Fantasy Impact
Kessler receives a small bump up in fantasy fortunes as a result of this trade, but he's nowhere near fantasy-viable yet. Even if he somehow finds himself starting for the Jaguars (which will only happen if Bortles is injured or struggles mightily), Kessler has not yet proven he's capable of star-level numbers passing the football.
Player Focus

to Jacksonville Jaguars

to Cleveland Browns
a 7th-round draft pick in 2019