Both Thomas and wide receiver Josh Gordon were dangled, but in the end, neither was dealt. Gordon came the closest to going, and while he wound up having a career year that season, he’s only played in six more games in the next two seasons due to NFL suspensions thanks to substance abuse issues.
Thomas is almost like the Ray Bourque of the Browns – the guy you identify with and love because he was so durable and was a mainstay, but you would secretly love to see him go to a winner and experience a playoff run.
Thomas and Mack have never played in a playoff game during their Browns careers, so while individual accolades have been bestowed upon them, team success has eluded them.
Kruger, who signed a five-year, $40 million deal prior to 2013, has been invisible this year. After breaking out with a career-best 11 sacks last year, he only has a half-sack in eight games this year.
Kruger and the coaches are blaming this lack of production on the fact that’s moved around to different positions this year and has been used more in pass coverage. But, his lack of stats is glaring when this defensive unit, which was projected to be among the best in the NFL, is now the worst.
Mingo, the sixth-overall pick in 2013, can’t even stay on the field this year. He only has six tackles and no sacks this year, going from 5 sacks as rookie to 2 last year. He had one interception – a big one in overtime of the Denver game that could have led to the winning points – but that’s been his lone contribution.
I have two problems with any of these proposed trades – first, if you’re going to get draft picks, who’s going to do the picking, and second, if these guys are struggling here, why would anyone give up anything of substance for them?
If general manager Ray Farmer is retained, not many people have confidence that any drafting he makes with any potential windfall of picks would be good. Farmer looks to have squandered four first-round picks in the last two drafts, and the two first-rounders he made in 2014 – cornerback Justin Gilbert and Manziel – are by and large considered busts.
Mohammed
November 2, 2015 at 9:14 pm
Poorly written article, but you made some good points. You took shots at Manziel every chance you had, when he’s been treated terrible my a terrible coach. Pettine wanted McCown all along to start, there was no competition and sat Manziel in the final two preseason games so he would drive a rift in his plan.