Rumors: Cleveland Browns land FB, eyeing trade for stud safety
The Cleveland Browns landed another FB in a trade with the Broncos, while rumors indicate the team is searching for its next starting safety via trade.
The Cleveland Browns continue to make headlines ahead of the official start of free agency, as the team acquired fullback Andy Janovich from the Denver Broncos for a seventh-round pick.
The deal came minutes after the rumor made the rounds that Andrew Berry was targeting Minnesota Vikings’ safety Anthony Harris in a trade. Many thought the Browns would be interested in signing Berry at the onset of free agency, but the Vikings’ surprised some by placing the $11.44 million franchise tag on the free safety.
Rumor has it the Vikings might be asking for a second-and third-round pick, according to Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot. That’s a big ask of an analytically driven front office, who would then have to dole out a mega-million extension to re-do his deal.
Even with the holes at linebacker, safety is the biggest need on defense. The Browns could aways address the position during the draft, but it seems like a longshot to count on finding a starting free safety in the second round (assuming a left tackle is taken at No. 10).
Perhaps a deal for Harris gets reached, but it’s seems more likely the Browns find a safety in the secondary wave of free agency.
As for Janovich, the fullback became expendable with Pat Schurmur calling the shots on offense in Denver, according to 9TV’s Mike Klis. Meanwhile, back in Cleveland, the fullback is back en vogue following the hire of coach Kevin Stefanski, who will likely be deploying the type of zone blocking scheme made famous by 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Next. Grading the Browns's free-agent signings. dark
The Browns were widely viewed as winners of the first day of free agency, and the team’s improvement continued into day two. If Berry somehow lands Harris, look out. The Browns will be signaling that they’re going for it.