Browns: 3 trade options from all NFL teams under .500
By Chad Porto
Dallas Cowboys
DE DeMarcus Lawrence
He’s not playing well this year and he’s getting older. All while playing for a team that took ten massive steps back this year. DeMarcus Lawrence will cost a lot in 2021, but there’s an opt-out clause in his deal if he doesn’t live up to his contract. The team will still eat something but at least he’s an obvious upgrade over Vernon.
LB Joe Thomas
Sorry, guys. I checked, and this isn’t Joe Thomas of Cleveland-fame hiding in plain sight as a linebacker. That said, he’s a solid coverage linebacker and is known for being a good tackler. He’s also durable and reliable, playing 100% of the defensive snaps three different times this year. Myles Garrett doesn’t play every snap on a drive, so Thomas is impressive.
LB Leighton Vander Esch
The Jaguars traded Yannick Ngakoue. The Raiders traded Khalil Mack. The Texans traded DeAndre Hopkins. Leighton Vander Esch is absolutely getable. He’s already missed a good chunk of time over the last two years and the Cowboys could be looking at a full rebuild. That means getting cap relief and draft capital. Vander Esch is an awesome player, but he’s on a team that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. With Dak Prescott’s ankle completely mangled, there’s no guarantee he ever returns to form. The Cowboys would be wise to get what they can for Vander Esch.