From the shocking Myles Garrett trade to a total offensive line rebuild, the Cleveland Browns aggressive roster reconstruction earns notable grade as the franchise begins a new era.
It's been an eventful offseason for the Cleveland Browns with Executive Vice President of Football Operations Andrew Berry overhauling the roster following a two-year stretch that saw the franchise win just seven games.
The changes really started with the firing of Kevin Stefanski and the subsequent hiring of Todd Monken as the team's new head coach. An o-line rebuild followed, along with another strong draft and ultimately, the blockbuster trade that saw Berry ship Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for Jared Verse and a number of future picks.
While losing one of the best players in franchise history and the best non-quarterback in football may feel like the climactic move of a losing offseason, some pundits around the NFL seem to think Cleveland actually had a positive and productive offseason overall.
Seth Walder of ESPN was the latest to give out high marks to Cleveland for its offseason. Walder handed out grades to all 32 teams in his latest piece and the Browns were one of five teams to receive a B+.
It has been awfully bleak in Cleveland the past couple of seasons, but the decision to trade away a franchise icon could be what jump-starts a turnaround. The Browns shocked the NFL world by sending Garrett to the Rams in a June trade, receiving Jared Verse and first-, second- and third-round picks in exchange.
He continued...
There can be reasonable debate over the Rams' side of this trade, but this was an unquestioned home run for Cleveland. Garrett is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year and just broke the single-season sack record, but he is 30 years old, and the Browns are not close to contention. By the time they get there, Garrett will be well into his decline.
While Walder seems to like the return Cleveland received for the Garrett trade, he also highlighted the team's o-line overhaul, but noted that the quarterback situation remains a big question mark that could have been better addressed this spring.
As things stand right now, Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson headline the group and will reconvene their competition for the starting job when training camp commences on July 29.
It's great that so many people seem to like the Browns offseason moves. The real test will come this fall, where it has to translate on the field.
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