Dawgs By Nature
Amari Cooper and Za’Darius Smith both made the playoffs but missed the ultimate goal
The storylines surrounding the Cleveland Browns this season were numerous and could take a couple of months of the offseason to unravel. How did a team with so much talent on their roster fail so miserably? Most will blame QB Deshaun Watson and a dismal offensive performance to start the season but blame has been placed all around.
Two talented veterans were dealt away as the Browns season fell apart. WR Amari Cooper was dealt to the Buffalo Bills in mid-October and has since thrown shade at his former team. DE Za’Darius Smith was dealt to the Detroit Lions at the NFL trade deadline.
Combining the two trades from the Browns perspective:
With Buffalo losing in the AFC Championship game and Detroit losing their first playoff game, what did the Bills and Lions get in return? With both Cooper and Smith likely heading to free agency, we will track how they both have performed for their new teams.
Not exactly the kind of stats Buffalo was expecting when they dealt away a premium pick in the third round. In a full season at his Bills rate, minus the two games he missed with injury, Cooper would have had under 50 receptions for under 600 yards and 4 TDs.
Averaging two catches per game in the playoffs will also not help his free agent market next season.
Given the lesser draft capital sent to Cleveland for Smith, Detroit received a much better deal than Buffalo. Smith has always been more of an impact player than an accumulating stats player but 10 QB hits and four sacks, combined with what he did with the Browns was a solid season.
The Lions are in an interesting spot with Smith’s contract due to cost almost $6 million next season but they can release him at no cost.
How do you think the Bills and Lions feel about the trades? Looking back, how do you feel about what the Browns got in return?
Share your thoughts in the comment section below
