Browns Put Paul McDonald on Waivers

The Cleveland Browns put reserve quarterback Paul McDonald on waivers Thursday.

McDonald, 28, out of USC, was Cleveland’s fourth-round draft pick in 1980.

He backed up Brian Sipe for most of his first four seasons in the National Football League before becoming the Browns’ starter for all 16 of their games in 1984, when they had a 5-11 record.

The arrival of highly regarded rookie Bernie Kosar and veteran Gary Danielson, however, sent McDonald to the bench last year. He was used only to hold for extra points and field goals.

McDonald will become a free agent if no team claims him within 10 days. If he is claimed, the Browns have the right to recall him and attempt to trade him.

McDonald has a contract with the Browns for 1986 estimated at $600,000, with about $300,000 of that guaranteed.

“We notified Paul that we do not intend to bring him to training camp and have put him on waivers,” Coach Marty Schottenheimer said.

“We’re doing this now for two reasons. We are very encouraged by Gary Danielson’s progress and we wanted to give Paul a better chance to be claimed or to sign with another team before camps begin.”

Danielson underwent shoulder surgery at the end of last season.

In 85 games for the Browns, McDonald completed 53.6% of his passes, throwing 24 touchdowns and 37 interceptions.