Henson, More

A renegotiated Couch will likely be around for 1-2 years, and unless the front office really thinks he's the long term answer, making a pitch for Henson would make a ton of sense. Do we really expect (or want) to 1) have an early first round pick in 2005 or 2006 or 2) spend a first round pick on a QB? Combine that with the fact that Couch's long-term future is on shaky ground and I think you have to make a late-run for Henson if the price is right.

The right price would be something less than a first round pick. Perhaps this year's second rounder. Perhaps a mid-level pick this year and a 2005 second. Or perhaps sending our 1st to Houston for Henson and a 2nd, which would allow the Browns to get two good players and have enough money to pay Henson enough to agree to the trade.

The only really downside to the deal that I can think of is that Couch 1) might still play well and we may want to keep him, or 2) might play poorly with the home fans constantly cheering Henson's name. I think #1 is a good problem to have as long as his new contract is reasonable, and #2 is avoided by Butch sticking to not playing Henson in 2004. Or, the Browns deal Couch for a song and go with Holcomb for year.