Browns willing to move best players, open for business before deadline
The NFL trade deadline is Tuesday, and the Cleveland Browns are reportedly willing to listen to offers for their biggest pieces.
Offensive tackle Joe Thomas, center Alex Mack, and linebacker Barkevious Mingo are all on the table, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport.
The #Browns have engaged in discussions about potentially trading two of their best players: LT Joe Thomas and C Alex Mack, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 1, 2015
True also RT @MaryKayCabot: #Browns have made it known they're willing to trade LB Barkevious Mingo, their 2013 first-round pick
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 1, 2015
Why would #Browns consider trading Joe Thomas or Alex Mack? Those are their most valuable assets for future building. Have to consider it
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 1, 2015
All three players are former Browns first round picks, with Thomas and Mingo top ten selections. The Browns need a full rebuild, and dangling their most valuable players may help accelerate the rebuild. In addition, Mack can opt out of his contract before next season, so the Browns have reason to look for value. Rapoport also notes that while Mack has a no-trade clause, he would be allowed to waive it if moved to a contender.
The NFL trade deadline is usually a dud, and it’s entirely possible that nothing could come of any of this, but the fact that Cleveland is willing to listen on such talented players is certainly an interesting wrinkle.
