The New England Patriots made a tough decision look easy when they allowed Wes Welker to leave to the Denver Broncos and the team was prepared, as they signed Danny Amendola to a five-year deal to be his replacement and team may not be done making moves yet.
According to ESPN.com and Tony Grossi of ESPN Radio in Cleveland, the Patriots and Browns could be working out a deal to send quarterback Ryan Mallett to Cleveland, despite the fact that the team has Brandon Weeden as the starter. According to the report, the Mallett trade talk is legitimate for the Browns, especially after they signed defensive tackle Desmond Bryant to a big contract, as they could not trade Phil Taylor or Ahtyba Rubin and draft picks to New England and would still have depth at the position.
The Patriots need more depth on the defensive line and since the Browns have six of them, they have the flexibility to make a move. Owner Jimmy Haslam has stated that Weeden will have competition heading into next season, but so far the team hasn't brought anyone in. Matt Cassel was a possible option for the Browns, but he decided to sign with the Minnesota Vikings, where he reportedly will have a chance to win the starting job from Christian Ponder.
"There's no reason to think we have an abundance at this point," Joe Banner said to ESPN. "It's a crucial area as we look at the team. We feel good about where we are at numbers-wise."
Browns general manager Mike Lombardi has a connection to Belichick and thinks in the same way that he does, meaning a trade deal could work for both sides. The Patriots are shrewd when it comes to personnel moves, as evidenced by Wes Welker, but if they feel they can get value for Mallett, they will pull the trigger. A deal could go down closer to the draft, as the Patriots love to make moves that can net them some extra draft picks.
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Mallett was originally selected in the draft for this reason anyway, as Belichick always planned to use Brady and thinks like a chess player, knowing that the quarterback would have value down the line. Alex Smith was traded and now that Cassel and Matt Moore are gone, Mallett is the next best option. Kevin Kolb is also set to be released by Arizona, but the Browns may want someone younger.
Mallett was a third round pick and the Patriots would probably accept a slightly lower pick and players for him if the Browns wanted to deal. The report also says that the Buccaneers could be interested in acquiring Mallett, as they would like a backup and someone to compete with Josh Freeman, as he had a down season last year. Mallett likely will never have a chance to start in New England, which is one reason why he wouldn't mind getting moved.
Lombardi previously said that he felt Mallett was the best quarterback in the draft when he was taken and since Belichick will want some more bodies next to Vince Wilfork, it could be a deal that works for both sides. Rubin could be an interesting part of the deal as he is seen as a potential star player after receiving a $26 million, four-year contract extension from the Browns.
NFL Network reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala wrote recently on Twitter: "So this Mallett-to-Browns story won't go away. Asked Lombardi abt it straight up yest. He laughed. If it happens, don't think till April."