Browns: 3 trade options from all NFL teams under .500

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 27: Grady Jarrett #97 of the Atlanta Falcons prior to an NFL game against the Chicago Bears at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 27: Grady Jarrett #97 of the Atlanta Falcons prior to an NFL game against the Chicago Bears at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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Sep 8, 2019; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (55) in action during the game between the Cowboys and the Giants at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 8, 2019; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (55) in action during the game between the Cowboys and the Giants at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

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.