Former NFL exec: Browns putting players in danger by tanking

The Cleveland Browns have not won a single game through 12 weeks this season, and one former NFL executive believes they are angling for the top overall pick in next year’s draft. That same executive is concerned that the Browns are putting the safety of their players at risk.

Jason Cole of Bleacher Report spoke to a former NFL exec who was critical of both the NFL and NFL Players Association for allowing the Browns to “create the mess” that has resulted in a 0-12 season.

“When you tank in football, people get hurt,” the executive reportedly said.

The former official added that rookie quarterback Cody Kessler should never have been put in a position to suffer three concussions this season, as that is the type of situation that can put a player’s career in jeopardy.

While you’d like to think players are giving a full effort, the former executive Cole spoke to is not the only person who believes the Browns have no interest in winning at this point. You could make the argument that Josh McCown gives Cleveland the best chance to win games, but the team seems insistent on sticking with Kessler. There was speculation that the rookie could be shut down after he suffered his most recent concussion (video here), but it does not appear that is going to happen.

The Browns say they are hoping to get Robert Griffin III back before the end of the season, which would make sense if they want him to be their starter in 2017. Then again, are they trying to win, or are they “competing” with the San Francisco 49ers for the worst record in football? As the former NFL exec said, that is a very dangerous game to play.