Cleveland Browns quarterback Joshua Dobbs looks to pass during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrock
BY TOM WITHERS contributing
CLEVELAND (AP) — Joshua Dobbs quickly went from backing up to packing up.
The Cleveland Browns shook up their quarterback room Thursday, trading Dobbs, who was named their No. 2 QB earlier in the day, to the Arizona Cardinals, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press.
The Browns are getting back a fifth-round selection in 2024 from Arizona for Dobbs and a seventh-round pick, said the person who spoke to The AP on condition of anonymity because the teams have not announced the swap.
Dobbs’ departure means rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who has had an impressive summer, will back up starter Deshaun Watson.
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Also, the Browns have decided to keep QB Kellen Mond, who had been waived on the final day of training camp.
The stunning move with Dobbs came only a couple of hours after coach Kevin Stefanski had said the 28-year-old would be Cleveland’s No. 2 quarterback to start this season.
However, Thompson-Robinson’s quick development changed the team’s plans and the Browns moved the fifth-round pick from UCLA into the No. 2 spot over Dobbs, who was re-signed as a free agent by Cleveland in the offseason.
Last season, the well-liked Dobbs backed up starter Jacoby Brissett while Watson served his 11-game NFL suspension. When Watson returned, Dobbs was released and finished the season with Tennessee.
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Dobbs could now be in the mix to temporarily move into Arizona’s starter spot while Kyler Murray works his way back from a season-ending injury and surgery.
Dobbs will be reunited with Cardinals first-year offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, who was Cleveland’s quarterbacks coach last season.
Former Browns quarterback Colt McCoy started Arizona’s first two preseason games. Rookie Clayton Tune — a fifth-round selection — and veterans David Blough and Jeff Driskel have also been competing for a roster spot.
Arizona made two trades on Thursday, earlier sending linebacker Isaiah Simmons to the New York Giants.
The No. 8 overall pick in the 2020 draft, Simmons has had three lackluster seasons. The Cardinals are getting back a seventh-round pick in 2024.
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AP Sports Writer David Brandt contributed.