BEREA, Ohio — Brock Osweiler has risen from trade throw-in to preseason starter.

The Browns’ quarterback saga has produced another surprise.

Osweiler was picked by coach Hue Jackson over Cody Kessler, rookie DeShone Kizer and Kevin Hogan to start Thursday’s exhibition opener against the New Orleans Saints in what will be an important stage in a QB competition that’s midway through its second week and with no end in sight.

Osweiler, who started 14 games for Houston last season, has not taken any snaps with the starting offense during camp, but he’ll be first on the field Thursday with a chance to impress Jackson and potentially win the full-time starting job.