Dawgs By Nature
In the NFL, deadlines make deals, and the Browns have a big decision looming.
The Cleveland Browns will conduct their final practice of the week later today as they prepare for the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. After a big win against the Ravens, the Browns appear to have altered the outlook on the season.
Despite the 2-6 start overall, Cleveland could breathe new life into their playoff livelihood with another win. It won’t be an easy task, however, as the Chargers look like an ascending team under new head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Chargers’ quarterback Justin Herbert is getting healthier by the day and he is coming off his best performance of the year. The Browns will need another complete game on both sides of the ball to have a chance.
Our topic for today’s Dawg Pound Discourse is this: Should winning again take any players out of trade discussions?
Cleveland has been at the center of trade speculation across the league for weeks and with the deadline on Tuesday at 4 p.m., decisions must be finalized. I think we can all agree that foundational players like Myles Garrett and Nick Chubb are among a small group of players who won’t be moved.
For others, we should look to see if moving on would give a younger player with upside more opportunities down the stretch. Some young players who fit that mold are obvious.
Isaiah McGuire, Mike Hall Jr., and Mohamoud Diabate have really flashed in the opportunities they’ve received. Players like Zac Zinter and Jamari Thrash either haven’t played great or played much, but are definitely part of your plans moving forward.
In an ideal and emotionally unattached world, the veterans playing ahead of the aforementioned would be on the trade block. Players such as:
DE- Za’Darius Smith
DE- Ogbo Okoronkwo
DT- Dalvin Tomlinson
LB- Jordan Hicks
WR- Elijah Moore
OG- Joel Bitonio (Editor’s Note: Fight me on this one unless the vet asks out. This generation’s Joe Thomas for me even if not a Hall of Famer)
If the Browns lose Sunday, then all of these players should be available for the right return. However, if the Browns win, they probably should keep Bitonio, Moore and one of the veteran edges to remain as competitive as possible.
What do you think of this list and the logic behind it? Is there anyone I missed? Do you think a win Sunday should change any plans at the NFL trade deadline? Let me know in the comments below and check out how other Browns fans feel.
