The Cleveland Browns are getting younger, and Joe Haden doesn’t fit that plan. Now, rumors are flying that Cleveland wants to deal Haden before the season starts.
With the regular season only nine days away, the Browns are still attempting to reshape their roster. After moving on from Terrelle Pryor in the offseason, Cleveland could be moving another star into a new city, this time via trade.
According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, the Browns are trying to trade Joe Haden, who has three years left on his current contract at more than $30 million. Haden, 28, has been one of the best corners in the NFL for years, although injuries have been an issue. The former University of Florida standout has not played a 16-game season since his rookie campaign of 2010, and has been limited to just 18 games over the past two years.
If Haden is healthy, he would be an immediate upgrade for a legion of contenders. The Oakland Raiders stand out more than most, considering they have nobody at the corners worth talking about. David Amerson is in the concussion protocol and Sean Smith, who signed a four-year, $40 million deal last offseason, has already been placed on the second team.
Haden would provide an immediate upgrade to play across from Gareon Conley, once the first-round pick recovers from shin splints.
Next: Every NFL Team's Best Draft Pick Of All-Time
Another team that could target Haden is the Indianapolis Colts. While the Colts are not a contender if Andrew Luck remains on the shelf, Haden could pair with Vontae Davis to give Indianapolis one of the top duos in football. Additionally, once Luck returns, the Colts could be a player to win the weak AFC South.
All told, Cleveland is likely looking for a mid-round pick as a return on Haden. The Browns would be lucky to get that considering his contract and injury history, but it would be a good asking price for general manager Sashi Brown.