With the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback already decided, the final preseason game provided an opportunity to get an extended look at rookie Taylen Green. The sixth-round pick from the 2026 NFL Draft has been touted as a developmental project with exciting upside based on his physical gifts.
In Cleveland’s 37-13 win against the New England Patriots, Green played in the second half and showed some of that enticing ability, rushing eight times for 66 yards. However, his passing left something to be desired, as even though he completed five of seven attempts, he totaled just 27 yards in the air.
That is why analyst Anthony Lima is raising a big question about Green, saying that his future in the NFL may come at another position.
“Is Taylen Green a quarterback? Because what I saw last night was not a quarterback. I understand everybody wants to play quarterback. Everybody wants to be the most popular guy on the team. He better start thinking about moving somewhere else, or he’s not going to have much of a career. I don’t see quarterback when I see him. I see a dynamic tool that can be used. I think they wanna find a way to utilize [his running ability],” Lima said.
"Is Taylen Green a QB? Because what I saw last night was not a QB. I think they wanna find a way to utilize (his running ability)."
➡️ @SportsBoyTony to @KenCarman on #Browns rookie QB Taylen Green https://t.co/LYnidf3MDr pic.twitter.com/asFy7klVrJ
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) August 28, 2026
After a three-and-out on the first series of the third quarter, when Green was short of a first down on a third-down scramble, he did lead the Browns on a 15-play, 98-yard touchdown drive that took more than nine minutes off the clock. It was jump-started by a 30-yard run by Green that got the Browns away from their own end zone. He was 4-for-4 for 27 yards passing on the drive, adding 16 rushing yards to his long scramble, before Davon Booth scored on an 8-yard run.
Afterward, head coach Todd Monken said both Green and Dillon Gabriel, who started and played the first half, “did some really good things.” It could lead to a very difficult roster decision in the coming days, as the Browns debate whether they will keep three or four quarterbacks, with Deshaun Watson the starter and Shedeur Sanders as the backup.
Green’s rushing ability could work in his favor, as Lima pointed out that the Browns have struggled with their red-zone offense for years. His athleticism could be a solution to that problem if Monken believes it is something he can use.
Ideally, the Browns would keep Gabriel on the 53-man roster and put Green on the practice squad to begin the season, but they may not want to risk exposing the rookie to waivers to get him there.
NEXT: Former Browns Player Gets Honest About Starting QB Decision
