The Cleveland Browns hit the ground running at the first day of NFL free agency season with a plethora of moves. But apart from what is being considered strong signings, along with giving their own veteran an extension, the biggest move of the day for the Browns stands as their trade for embattled quarterback Brock Osweiler, which now finds the rebuilding team with a bevy treasure chest of draft picks.
As noted by FOX Sports, the Cleveland Browns opened free agency by beefing up their offensive line, signing Kevin Zeitler and J.C. Tretter, while giving Joel Bitonio an extension. The Browns also signed veteran receiver Kenny Britt. But without a doubt, the biggest move of the day saw Cleveland acquiring Brock Osweiler from the Houston Texans, in what is widely seen as a virtual purchase of draft picks.
In a deal that looks confusing on the surface, the Cleveland Browns basically got Brock Osweiler, a 2017 sixth round pick and a 2018 second round pick for a 2017 fourth round pick and absorbing the quarterback’s $16million salary for next season. As pointed out by FOX Sports, the Browns now have a stockpile of 11 draft picks in the next two drafts. And they don’t appear to be done.
According to NFL reporter Jason La Canfora, the Cleveland Browns are now shopping Brock Osweiler’s contract around the league, shopping the quarterback along with a 2017 late round pick for a 2018 third round pick. Should there be any takers, Cleveland is also hoping that team would be willing to take on at least half the $16 million owed to Osweiler.
As pointed out by ESPN, this type of deal isn’t common in the NFL, as the Cleveland Browns basically bought a draft pick, while the Houston Texans blatantly looked to get rid of an albatross contract. ESPN also points out that with Osweiler off the books, the Texans might now look to make a run at recently released Tony Romo.
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