It Has Started
So far, it’s been a busy illegal tampering period. A couple of quarterbacks get traded and the rumors are flying more trades are on the horizon, including some involving the Browns. Let’s start with GM Andrew Berry’s trade history with the Browns. He’s made two player trades, two. Both were in 2020. Berry traded for FB Andy Janovich on day two of the draft, because head coach Kevin Stefanski’s offense uses a blocking fullback. The second trade occurred prior to the season starting because the Browns were thin at a position group, safety. Berry traded for Ronnie Harrison. Two trades, both positional needs. So, it shouldn’t surprise anyone the Browns traded for wide receiver Amari Cooper. Wide receiver is definitely a position of need. The cost was the Browns 2022 fifth and sixth round picks and the Browns receive Cooper and Dallas’ six round pick. Highway robbery by Andew Berry. That’s why I call him a Ninja GM. Expect a restructure of Coopers’ $20 million cap figure for 2022.
The other blockbuster trade the Browns were mentioned as having interest was for QB Deshaun Watson. Have the Browns inquired and are there people in the front office who would be interested in this trade? Sure, Watson is a talent. However, he’s a talent with baggage. Yes, there were no criminal charges brought against him, but that doesn’t mean he’s innocent. Ben Roethlisberger was accused of sexual abuse three times and no criminal charges were brought against him, yet Browns fans call him “rapelisberger.” Watson will still have to serve a suspension, probably six games, like Roethlisberger and RB Ezekiel Elliott. Bottom line, I can’t see Browns co-owner Dee Haslam sighing off on this trade. Besides, Watson has a full no trade clause. My money is on Tampa, New Orleans or Carolina as destinations for Watson. I’ve heard climate and region are also deciding factors besides team structure. Carolina has the cap room; Tampa can make the room and New Orleans will have to do a lot of work. This trade doesn’t have the feel of an Andrew Berry trade. Besides, the more teams who are linked to a trade, the Texans can get a better deal and they want to trade him fast. He has a roster bonus of $17 million due on March 20.
The one thing I’ve learned the last two years watching the Browns front office; they don’t leak information. Until the legal tampering period starts on March 14, the Browns will be linked to every available wide receiver and defensive linemen. Besides Amari Cooper, wide receivers I hope the Browns target are, Russell Gage, Allen Robinson, Will Fuller, D.J. Clark and Jamison Crowder. As for defensive tackle, Tim Settle, Harrison Phillips, D.J. Jones, B.J. Hill, Al Woods and Eddie Goldman. Finally, defensive ends, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Emmanuel Ogbah, Arden Key, Randy Gregory, Derek Barnett and Jerry Hughes. The Browns will also need to sign a backup tackle, (Dennis Kelly or Cornelius Lucas) and possibly a safety, (Marcus Maye or Anthoney Harris). These are two players I wanted last year who are available again.
The legal tampering period starts at noon (EST) Monday. It’s a time for sources, insiders and clickbait articles. Be careful in what you see on social media. Just remember Browns GM Andrew Berry the last two years has had a plan. Nothing has changed for 2022.
In Andrew Berry I trust.
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