The Cleveland Browns haven’t made the postseason since 2002, yeah that is a long time, right? When they drafted Baker Mayfield things changed last season as they finished 7-8-1 after not winning a single game the season before, I know they added wide receiver Jarvis Landry via trade, drafted cornerback Denzel Ward and running back Nick Chubb also and that isn’t to be discounted, but finally having a quarterback after years of looking for one has given this franchise hope. They made the biggest splash of the offseason by trading for star wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. on Tuesday night sending social media into frenzy. They gave up safety Jabrill Peppers, a 1st round pick and a 3rd pick for the star. After acquiring Beckham, Jr. it made me pose the question are the Browns the Midwest version of the Los Angeles Rams?
So to repeat: Browns get Odell Beckham Jr. and Giants get a first-round pick, third-round pick and S Jabril Peppers, source tells ESPN. There's the trade.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2019
Before you throw something at me hear me out. Last year the Rams went all out trading for Brandin Cooks, Aqib Talib, Marcus Peters, Dante Fowler, Jr and signing Ndamukong Suh just to name a few of their big moves. They also paid running back Todd Gurley and defensive tackle Aaron Donald. They made it to the Super Bowl and ultimately lost to the New England Patriots, but their plan is smart you can take chances and play others while you have your quarterback on a rookie deal. Jared Goff is on a rookie deal so it allows them to be more financially free to bring in the help, once he gets paid in a year or two the Rams free spending period will be closed and they will have to be wiser with how they dish out money, but currently they can be free.
That brings me back to the Browns, they have the key piece on a rookie deal and that is quarterback Baker Mayfield. Mayfield being on a rookie salary for at least three more years gives the Browns, Rams style freedom. They paid Landry, Beckham, Jr. is on a big contract, traded for defensive end Olivier Vernon, sign tight end Demetrius Harris and sign defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson. I wouldn’t be shocked if they aren’t done making moves, they were in on Earl Thomas, but the Ravens gave him a deal too good for him to pass up. How things have been going in Cincinnati and Pittsburgh it seems the AFC North is Cleveland’s to have. I know Baltimore will have something to say about that, but on paper Cleveland has to be the favorite as of now.
They are following the path of the Rams, but will they Brown it up? Only time will tell!
