Trade Rumors

Would the Browns trade Quincy Morgan or Andre Davis to Miami fro unsigned defensive end Adewale Ogunleye? I think they would. On the surface this potential trade might not make much sense -- the Browns already have a lot invested in their current defensive line, and while the team has some decent receivers they don't have much proven depth beyond the top 3. But the Browns haven't had much of a pass rush for years.

You could make an argument than both Morgan and Davis are expendable. Morgan would clearly be my choice to go in a trade. Besides being a good blocker and a sporadically dangerous deep threat, the guy has just never learned how to properly catch a football. We'd lose a little something in trading him, but it may not be a big a loss as expected. Andre Davis, on the other hand, is not a perfect player -- although he's very solid in catching the ball and is a big threat over the middle, he does struggle to gain separation and get open consistently. But he catches the tough balls and, perhaps with the supposed stressing of the illegal contact rules this season, he may be primed for a more productive year. Were either of these players go in a trade, Northcutt becomes the second starting receiver and Frisman Jackson probably becomes comes in at flanker in 3 WR sets with Northcutt in the slot. It probably doesn't scare too many teams, but it is formidable. Especially when you figure Winslow into the mix.

Of course, it would be nice if the Browns could acquire an offensive lineman (say, Vernon Carey?) instead of Ogunleye. That could really transform the offense in a positive way. I'm sure Davis, Campo, and Robiskie are debating whether the upgraded pass rush would compensate for losing a weapon on offense. We'll see. One good thing -- the Browns do seem to have cap space to pay a guy like Ogunleye. If the Browns think he is the real deal (and on that count, I have no idea), I think the Browns pursue it earnestly.