AFC Notes: Jacoby Brissett, Colts, Browns

Jacoby Brissett

Colts QB Jacoby Brissett‘s first season as a starter was the definition of a rollercoaster ride. Brissett started hot as one of the NFL’s highest-rated passers. But a midseason injury and subsequent drop in performance dropped the Colts out of the playoff hunt and put Brissett’s future squarely in the crosshairs. The Colts have been linked to a number of the prominent quarterbacks set to be available either in free agency, the trade market or the draft. However, Colts owner Jim Irsay defended Brissett in a press conference Sunday. 

“I think that Jacoby is one the rise and you’ve got to give him time to develop….We had a lot of injuries, special teams wasn’t outstanding, and the combination of those things and Jacoby being a starter for the first time, that’s a lot to overcome,” Irsay said via Andrew Walker of the team website. “There’s a lot of ways this thing can turn but right now, Jacoby is the starter, [Brian Hoyer] is the backup. That’s our starting point, and I think that’s better than probably almost half the league — close to it.”

All that said, Irsay still didn’t rule out the Colts bringing in another quarterback, though. 

“I would just say all options are open,” Irsay said via the Athletic’s Stephen Holder.

Colts

• While Colts owner Jim Irsay hasn’t spoken with LT Anthony Castonzo, who has been weighing retirement and is a pending free agent this offseason as well, he said there’s a “strong likelihood” the veteran is back in 2020. (Kevin Bowen)
• Irsay mentioned the reports of an extension being in the works for RB Marlon Mack are incorrect. (Mike Chappell)
• Regarding the possibility of QB Andrew Luck potentially returning, Irsay didn’t have an update: “Andrew is my friend. And I miss my friend… I can’t comment on anything in terms of will he ever come back. I don’t know. I haven’t asked him.” (Holder)
• Irsay pushed for the Combine to stay in Indianapolis long-term, as there have been rumors the NFL is considering moving it somewhere like Los Angeles after 2021. He said the teams and doctors all like the Combine being in Indianapolis: “I think it’s important that traditions stay in place.” (George Bremer)

Browns

• According to Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot, the Browns are unlikely to bring back DE Olivier Vernon at his current $15.25 million salary in 2020, meaning he’ll either be asked to take a pay cut or be released. 
• If Vernon is cut, Cabot anticipates Vikings DE Everson Griffen being a potential target given his familiarity with new Browns HC Kevin Stefanski. Cleveland could also be interested in pending free-agent Vikings S Anthony Harris. 
• Cabot adds the Browns will have all viable free agents at offensive tackle on their radar, including Titans OT Jack Conklin and Packers OT Bryan Bulaga.