Report: Browns looking to trade Brock Osweiler, could release him
Things continue to get crazy when it comes to quarterback Brock Osweiler after he was traded to the Cleveland Browns by the Houston Texans.
The Browns just acquired quarterback Brock Osweiler and a 2018 second round pick from the Houston Texans.
Now the Cleveland is trying to trade Osweiler, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports.
Breaking News: Browns shopping Osweiler contract all over the league. Want to trade Brock and late rnd pick for '18 3rd rnd pick ...
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 9, 2017
The Browns are even willing to eat some of Osweiler’s 2017 salary.
Browns telling other teams that they will also eat "at least half" of the $16M due to Osweiler this year to facilitate the trade...
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 9, 2017
La Canfora reported that the Browns might be looking to trade for New England Patriots back up quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
Browns are fixated on the 3rd round pick in 2018, leading many to believe they're out to deal bevy of picks to NE for Jimmy G
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 9, 2017
If the Browns are unable to trade Osweiler, they could end up releasing him since they can afford to take the cap hit, unlike the Texans who couldn’t afford to cut him since their cap space is limited.
Ultimately, the Browns traded $16 million to the Texans for a second round pick. It would actually be a violation of NFL rules if they cut Osweiler, since their trade with the Texans would have essentially been a cash for picks trade.
Michael Lombardi explains how it can be a violation.
I love the deal for the Browns, and would cut "The Heist" but the league has strong rules on not paying for picks and this seems like it
— Michael Lombardi (@mlombardiNFL) March 9, 2017
and that is illegal...... https://t.co/9kRiHViILL
— Michael Lombardi (@mlombardiNFL) March 9, 2017
The NBA&NFL have different rules on trading picks for cash.I love the deal for the Browns,other teams will view this as a cash for pick deal
— Michael Lombardi (@mlombardiNFL) March 9, 2017
I wonder if the NFL will step in if the Browns try to cut Osweiler within the next few days. I imagine they could force Cleveland to keep him or fine them or even take away a draft pick.
It’s nice that the Browns keep accumulating draft picks, but they’ve been doing this for years and continue to whiff on their early picks. Whether it’s Johnny Manziel, Barkevious Mingo or even Justin Gilbert, Cleveland has made some terrible decisions in the draft.
All that matters now is that Osweiler is no longer the Texans’ problem.