It's hard to blame the Browns for holding a fire sale. Cleveland is winless seven weeks into the season and staring down perhaps its best shot at a victory on Sunday against the Jets. They need picks and assets for the future, and the future might very well be five years from now. It is certainly not tomorrow, and maybe not even the day after tomorrow.
So everyone must go and whatnot, which includes star cornerback Joe Haden, who is available for trade according to a report from Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
Haden has only played in nine games over the last two years, including just five in 2015. After making the Pro Bowl in 2013 and 2014, he has failed to morph into the top corner many expected as he heads into his prime.
He's an obvious name for a potential trade -- Jared Dubin listed him as a target for three different teams in his breakdown of what NFL teams should do at the trade deadline and Jason La Canfora listed him as one of the eight most likely veterans to be moved before the deadline.
Despite that, it might not be quite as easy to move Haden. As JLC noted, the cornerback's contract "is bloated" and he has been both injured and not playing up to the level of his money.
Giving up picks or players for a guy who is struggling and being paid a hefty sum isn't exactly a smart move, even though he could assist a team with secondary issues.
The Panthers are in need of help in the secondary, but it's impossible to imagine them chasing after Haden. Same with the Saints.
Haden is due $11.1 million in 2017 and 2018 and $10.4 million in 2019. Making the math work where Cleveland actually gets what they want in value and a team can soak up that contract just doesn't look like a deal that is realistic.
But the Browns are listening for any offers and you can't blame them for it.
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LeBron gave a shout out to Joe Haden.
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