Browns linked to a puzzling trade for All-Pro defensive tackle
TL;DR
The Cleveland Browns are rumored to be in trade talks for All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence of the New York Giants. However, acquiring Lawrence would likely require a first-round pick, which the Browns may be unwilling to offer given their recent investments in the position.
Key points
- Cleveland Browns linked to trade for Dexter Lawrence
- Lawrence is an All-Pro defensive tackle
- Giants likely to ask for a first-round pick
- Browns may not afford another first-round investment in defensive tackle
On Saturday, rumors began that the Cleveland Browns are linked in a trade for the New York Giants' star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.
In a vacuum, adding a player of Lawrence's caliber is always a great thing. He is one of the best football players in the entire NFL, and he is incredibly impactful when he is on the field.
However, trades and deals are not made in a vacuum. If Cleveland were to come to an agreement with the Giants for Lawrence, it would have to be at the right price. There is no world where I see the Giants asking for and accepting anything less than a first-round pick.
There is no world where Cleveland should offer one of its first-round picks for Lawrence. In the last 12 months, Cleveland has already used one premium asset on a defensive tackle in Mason Graham; they simply cannot afford to invest another one in that position.
What Lawrence could bring to the Browns in a theoretical trade
Lawrence appeared in all 17 games last season in New York and had only 14 total tackles and 0.5 sacks on the year. It was one of his lowest years of production in his entire career.
The conversation about the Browns improving their defense continues to be a very puzzling conversation. For the last three years, the Cleveland Browns have had a top-10 defense in the NFL. In those three seasons, they netted just one playoff game thanks to a miracle run by Joe Flacco.
Cleveland simply cannot continue to invest premium resources on the defensive side of the ball until they have an offense that is at least average. If Cleveland's offense had been even a top 15 group in the league, there is a real possibility that they would have won the AFC North last year.
Instead, they were the 31st-ranked offense and only netted five wins.
Lawrence has been awesome in New York. From the defensive tackle position, he has registered 108 pressures since the 2022 season, which is more than 70 pressures than Vita Vea, who is in second place. More importantly, the difference between when he is on and off the field in New York is staggering.
He would no doubt make the Cleveland defense significantly better. If the price is right, Cleveland could make the deal. If it is too expensive, Cleveland would be considering a major, major mistake.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: BRowns linked to a puzzling trade for Dexter Lawrence
Q&A
What are the trade rumors involving Dexter Lawrence and the Cleveland Browns?
The Cleveland Browns are reportedly linked to a trade for New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.
What would the New York Giants likely ask for in a trade for Dexter Lawrence?
The Giants are expected to demand at least a first-round pick for Dexter Lawrence in any trade.
Why might the Cleveland Browns hesitate to trade for Dexter Lawrence?
The Browns may hesitate to trade for Lawrence due to their recent investment in defensive tackle Mason Graham and the high cost of a first-round pick.
