NFL Trade Ideas: potential fits for contending teams
By Jon Dove
Aug 20, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns guard John Greco (77) during the game against the Buffalo Bills at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia Eagles
Deal: Philadelphia acquires John Greco from the Cleveland Browns for a 6th round pick
The Philadelphia Eagles have a wide-array of problems but improving the guard play should be top priority. Philadelphia’s inability to establish a strong running game has completely disrupted the offensive game plan.
Jason Peters, Lane Johnson and Jason Kelce are all solid to Pro-Bowl caliber players. However, the guard position with Allen Barbre and Andrew Gardner is a problem. Both players have routinely been driven into the backfield while struggling to open running lanes.
Philadelphia has over $11 million remaining cap space according to sportrac.com. This is more than enough money to improve the position via a trade. Cleveland’s John Greco would represent an upgrade and comes at a reasonable price.
Greco has a cap hit of $2.8 million this year but is owed only $900,000 per year for the next two seasons. This is a deal that would provide immediate help and not impact future payroll.
Cleveland should consider this deal because it would open up a spot for this year’s first-round pick Cameron Erving. The Browns don’t have the horses to make a playoff run this year which should make it easier to unload a veteran starter.
Next: Indianapolis Colts