The trade for quarterback Tyrod Taylor was a very savvy one, and it illustrates the unpublished roadmap that the Browns are following under new GM John Dorsey.

Why trading for Taylor was so savvy

He is an experienced starter with a winning record. The Browns went all last season without a QB on the roster who had EVER started and won a single NFL game.

He’ll be 29 years old this season, right about the mid-career peak for his position.

Since 2015, no starting QB except Tom Brady has a lower interception percentage.

Compared to the guaranteed money that other QBs are signing for, Taylor’s contract is affordable at $16 million for 2018. This saves the Browns cap space with which to secure the long-term services of many other players and to invest further in Taylor if he proves worthy.

He adds a chain-moving dimension as a runner, gaining more yards on the ground than any other QB since 2015 this side of Cam Newton.

He’s a high-character leader, which is exactly what you want as a model on a young roster.

The trade cost of the 65th overall draft pick is very reasonable in light of Taylor’s contract status, his productivity, and the Browns still having five earlier picks to make. There are only so many rookies that you want on the team at once.

What it tells us about the Browns’ plans