Browns reportedly in trade talks for big-time defensive player

There are a few times a year in the NFL when big moves might get made. The opening of the NFL league year has come and gone without the kind of earth-shattering moves many were hoping for. The NFL trade deadline has become far more active than it has ever been, with younger GMs and more aggressive ownership groups.

The next stop is the NFL draft. Just before, during, and just after the annual college prospect selection event, a few big moves heat back up. Rumors have flown with this year’s draft having a lot of mystery, including with the Cleveland Browns selections.

Saturday morning, I received a message about the Browns potentially trading for New York Giants DT Dexter Lawrence. Shortly after that, this was posted on social media:

Following up with a number of folks around the league, there has been talk that Cleveland’s offer of a second-round pick has been the best offer that the Giants have received, but that they are holding out for a first-round pick, and would prefer to hold on to Lawrence. On the Browns side, there are a number of other trades, including the much-rumored trade back with the Dallas Cowboys, that could impact which pick or picks they are willing to deal for the veteran defender.

Lawrence reportedly wants out of New York and is looking for a new contract. The 28-year-old veteran has been an elite interior defender for years, including Pro Bowl nods in three of the last four seasons. Last year was a bit of a down year with his sacks (9 to 0.5), tackles for loss (8 to 4), and QB hits (16 to 8) dropping significantly from the previous season.

Lawrence’s current deal is outside of the Top 10 in annual value at his position and runs two more seasons with cap hits over $25 million. Before last year started, Lawrence was ranked as the best interior defensive lineman in the NFL.

For Cleveland, adding Lawrence could bolster an already very good defensive line with DE Myles Garrett or help keep the talent level high if Garrett were to be traded after June 1st, when it would be financially possible.

For now, we will continue to seek more information on this Lawrence rumor and treat it like all the other ones floating around.

How would you feel about the Browns trading for Lawrence and giving him a new contract extension to move him up near the top DTs in the league?