There are a few times a year in the NFL when big moves can be made. The opening of the NFL league year came and went without the kind of momentous moves many expected. The NFL trade deadline has become much busier than ever, with younger general managers and more aggressive ownership groups.
Next stop is the NFL draft. Just before, during and after the annual college scouting event, some big moves are heating up again. Rumors have circulated that this year’s draft has a lot of mystery, even with the Cleveland Browns’ picks.
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On Saturday morning I received a message about the Browns possibly trading for the New York Giants manager. Dexter Lorenzo. Shortly after, this was posted on social media:
Continuing with several people around the league, there has been talk that Cleveland’s offer of a second-round pick was the best offer the Giants have received, but that they are holding out for a first-round pick and would prefer to keep Lawrence. On the Browns’ side, there are a number of other trades, including the much-rumored trade with the Dallas Cowboys, that could impact which pick or picks they are willing to trade for the veteran defender.
Lawrence reportedly wants out of New York and is looking for a new contract. The 28-year-old veteran has been an elite interior defender for years, including Pro Bowl nods in three of the last four seasons. Last year was a bit of a bad year with his sacks (9 to 0.5), tackles for loss (8 to 4), and QB hits (16 to 8) dropping significantly from the previous season.
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Lawrence’s current contract is outside the Top 10 in annual value at his position and spans two more seasons with a cap hit of more than $25 million. Before last year began, Lawrence was ranked as the best interior defensive lineman in the NFL.
For Cleveland, adding Lawrence could bolster an already very good defensive line with DE Myles Garrett or help keep the talent level high if Garrett were traded after June 1, when it would be financially possible.
For now, we’ll continue to look for more information on this Lawrence rumor and treat it like all the others floating around out there.
How would you feel if the Browns traded for Lawrence and gave him a new contract extension to bring him closer to the best managers in the league?
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