The Cleveland Browns are at it again!
The Browns should win a prize for Craftiest Personnel Ideas that Always Backfire. Their latest plan could involve trading two of the team’s best players, left tackle Joe Thomas and center Alex Mack (Who needs an offensive line?).
The #Browns have engaged in discussions about potentially trading two of their best players: LT Joe Thomas and C Alex Mack, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 1, 2015
There are also rumors that the Browns 2013 first-round pick, linebacker Barkevious Mingo, could be trade fodder as well.
#Browns have made it known they're willing to trade LB Barkevious Mingo, their 2013 first-round pick, source told https://t.co/o11vJSOExu
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) November 1, 2015
Let’s be honest here, the Browns could cook up some clever plan that yields Tom Brady, Antonio Brown, Rob Gronkowski, and J.J. Watt in exchange for Mingo, Thomas and Mack, and they would still find a way to make the deal a complete and total bust. Heck, they could trade those three players for the entire Patriot’s team and it would still be a flop.
That is the Browns’ way. In 2012 they drafted running back Trent Richardson in the first round, third overall. After a disappointing season, the Browns traded Richardson to the Colts for a 2014 first-round pick. Brilliant, right? Well, with that pick, the Browns nabbed Johnny Manziel who saved the team and made them playoff contenders. Oh, wait! He’s not even starting. Cleveland ended up bringing in 36-year-old Josh McCown as their quarterback.
If past performance is any indication of future behavior — and it often is — the Browns are doomed. No trade can save the team whose first-round picks have included quarterback Brady Quinn in 2007, Trent Richardson in 2011, Brandon Weeden in 2012, Justin Gilbert in 2014, and Johnny Manziel that same year.
Back to Thomas and Mack: It appears the Browns are in fire-sale mode, trading two — maybe three if Mingo is included in a deal — top players for a hope for a better 2016. The team has until November 3 at 4 p.m. ET to invest in its future at the expense of its present.