The Cleveland Browns stunned NFL fans and observers everywhere by dismantling their front office just a month after inking Mike Pettine to be the new head coach. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam booted CEO Joe Banner and general manager Mike Lombardi and promoted Ray Farmer to Lombardi's position.
"I think Joe will tell you that putting together an organization is what he was comfortable doing," Haslam said. "He's set us up for success, and now it's time to move forward." Banner and Lombardi were responsible for firing 2013 head coach Rob Chudzinski after just one season at the helm, so the turnover in Cleveland has proven to be exceptionally high.
"It is bittersweet leaving the Browns organization," Banner said in a statement released by the team. "I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Jimmy Haslam and helping him set the infrastructure for this franchise. I am proud of the talented individuals we brought in to help lead this team and feel that the Cleveland Browns are in good hands moving forward."
Cleveland has quite a bit of cap room available to them, and the first order of business will likely be figuring out the quarterback situation. Rumors have circulated that Brandon Weeden, who opened last season as the starter has had enough of the turnover and is requesting a trade, per NFL.com's Mike Silver.
"Given the turmoil with the coaching staff and lack of public support from the most recent front office, he's interested in a fresh start, with a clean slate and an opportunity to compete to show he has the talent to develop into a productive player in the league." The Browns may be tired of his turnovers and willing to oblige.
Some outlets have put forward the rumor that Cleveland may be interested in dealing for embattled Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub, but it is more likely they will spend one of their two first round draft picks on one of the passers in the loaded 2014 draft class.
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