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NFL trade: Barkevious Mingo shipped to Patriots

By Nick Stavrakis

Nov 15, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo (51) commits a roughing the passer penalty against Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo (51) commits a roughing the passer penalty against Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cleveland Browns have given up on Barkevious Mingo, trading him to the New England patriots.

After New England shockingly dealt starting center Bryan Stork to the Redskins on Wednesday, the Pats were able to secure a trade for a second consecutive day. This time they will be receiving Barkevious Mingo from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a fifth-round pick.

The sixth-overall pick back in 2013, Mingo could never get the job done as a member of the Browns.  Known as a pass-rusher off the edge, Mingo’s rookie season saw him post five sacks. Unfortunately, he has only managed two since then.

A fresh start for Mingo is probably the best thing that could happen to him at this point in his career. Lucky for him, he is going to play for the best head coach in the NFL. If Bill Belichick sees something in him, he has to be hopeful he can still turn his career around.

After trading outsiude linebacker Chandler Jones to the Arizona Cardinals this offseason, the Patriots were left with a gaping hole at the position. Jones led the team with 12.5 sacks in 2015. Without Jones, New England is hoping Mingo can at least fill some of the void.

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As for the Browns, getting back a fifth-round pick is respectable for someone who has produced so little in three seasons. Cleveland had declined the fifth-year option on Mingo’s rookie contract, so this was probably an inevitable separation.

For the Pats, this is a low-risk, high-reward move that can only benefit New England’s pass rush as they look to also replace an injured Rob Ninkovich. Ninkovich has a triceps injury that will keep him out throughout September and perhaps part of October. New England is already facing an uphill climb early in the season with quarterback Tom Brady out the first four games.

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