Connor Shaw ‘definitely in the mix’ as Browns’ QB

Connor Shaw remains in the conversation for the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback job, head coach Mike Pettine says.

“Connor Shaw is definitely in the mix,” Pettine told reporters Tuesday. “He doesn’t have the biggest arm ... but he has the ‘it’ factor.”

Cleveland began its offseason workouts this week.

The former South Carolina quarterback enters the second year of a three-year contract with the Brown this season. He spent almost all of 2014 on the practice squad before being elevated to starter for the last game of the season after injuries suffered by Brian Hoyer and Johnny Manziel.

Hoyer, the Browns starter most of last season, is no longer in Cleveland. The team signed veterans Josh McCown and Thad Lewis in the offseason, and could take another quarterback in the NFL draft April 30 to May 2.

“We thrive on competition,” Pettine said.

Shaw was a big hit with coaches and teammates in Cleveland in his first year and was so popular with teammates that several listed him when asked by Browns.com to name the teammate who most exemplified the team’s “Be a Brown” mantra despite his limited playing time.

Shaw was 14-of-28 for 177 yards and one interception in his only game.

Pettine on Tuesday noted how quiet Shaw is.

“It’s like he’s on a budget for words for the year,” Pettine said.

This story was originally published April 21, 2015 at 5:30 PM with the headline "Connor Shaw ‘definitely in the mix’ as Browns’ QB."