Cleveland, OH (92.3 The Fan) - The Cleveland Browns traded quarterback Cody Kessler to the Jacksonville Jaguars Wednesday.
Cleveland receives a 2019 conditional seventh-round pick in return.
“We are excited about the opportunity to add Cody as depth to our quarterback position,” Jaguars general manager Dave Caldwell said in a statement. “Despite being just 24 years old, Cody has already seen NFL game action. From our research and through getting to know Cody during the draft process, we know he is a smart, tough and competitive young man and we expect him to be a great addition to our quarterback and offensive meeting rooms.”
The trade continues the offseason roster overhaul by new general manager John Dorsey.
Last month Dorsey sent quarterback DeShone Kizer, a 2017 second-round selection, to Green Bay and acquired starter Tyrod Taylor from Buffalo. On Sunday the Browns came to terms with Drew Stanton to serve as Taylor's backup making Kessler and Kevin Hogan expendable.
It remains unclear what the Browns will do with Hogan considering the team is expected to use the No. 1 pick in the draft on a quarterback.
It is expected that Kessler, who was selected 93rd overall in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft, will back up starter Blake Bortles. Bortles signed a contract extension this offseason through 2020 with the Jaguars.
Following the pick of Kessler, head coach Hue Jackson said, "trust me on this one" as a means of backing former executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown's decision and presenting a unified front for the organization.
Injuries to Robert Griffin III and Josh McCown during the first two weeks of the 2016 season forced Kessler into a starting role prematurely.
Kessler appeared in 12 games with eight starts for the Browns that saw him complete 63.8 percent of his passes with six touchdowns and three interceptions.
