Did the Browns finally win a trade with the Patriots?

The Cleveland Browns have traded linebacker Mack Wilson to the New England Patriots for edge rusher Chase Winovich.

There is a chance the Cleveland Browns won the Mack Wilson for Chase Winovich trade with the New England Patriots.

These two AFC franchises have an interesting history, stemming almost entirely because of Bill Belichick. New England has won six Super Bowls under Belichick’s watch, while Cleveland has made the AFC playoffs twice since firing their former head coach over a quarter of a century ago. However, there is a strong possibility the Browns came out on top of this trade with New England.

While Wilson may have played for Belichick disciple Nick Saban in college, Winovich is one great season away from really making something of himself in the NFL.

Cleveland Browns may have won a trade over New England Patriots

On paper, these two players are relatively comparable. They were mid-round picks in the 2019 NFL Draft out of traditional powers with Wilson playing at Alabama and Winovich at Michigan. Though Winovich may be a bit older than Wilson, neither player is rapidly approaching 30 years old. What makes the Browns the big winner in this trade is really simple: Sacks are more valuable.

Even though Winovich did not record one a season ago, he did have 5.5 in each of his first two seasons out of Michigan. Wilson may be more of your traditional inside linebacker, but he is not going to effect the game as profoundly as Winovich can. Not only that, but the Browns already have a generational pass-rusher at the peak of his powers in perennial Pro Bowler Myles Garrett.

Perhaps a change of scenery and a return to the midwest will serve Winovich? Ultimately, another 5.5-sack season will be more valuable to the Browns than a 50-combined tackle season out of Wilson for New England. Though Belichick may end up winning the trade in the end, the possible upside Winovich has the potential to change games with greater regularity than say with Wilson.

While these two could be on a third NFL team by this time next year, Winovich has the advantage.