Pettine: Trent Cole Embodies What Browns Want
It looks like if Mike Pettine had it his way the Cleveland Browns would have Trent Cole signed immediately. Speaking at the I-X Center Pettine gave high praise to the OLB/DE who visited with the Browns for two days. Cole is now visiting with the Indianapolis Colts but could look to make a decision before full free agency begins tomorrow at 4PM.
Pettine said it this way:
Browns still in play for Trent Cole. He embodies what Browns want out of a defender, Pettine said.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 10, 2015
The first part should not be missed: the Browns are still in play for for what seems like their top pass rushing target, since Larry Hughes signed. Cole, who has been with the Eagles all of his career, seems to be enjoying the quick tour that he is taking. Yet he may want to act quick as to not miss out on decent money that he is bound to get. The Colts and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are considered the other two top contenders.
The second part is the interesting, fun part. Pettine, as the head coach, has a lot of say toward who Ray Farmer selects. Farmer makes the final decision as the general manager but likely will feel some pressure from Pettine. Cole is the kind of leader the Browns continue to need to bring in. If Cole signs, the Browns would have added three big time leaders, and players, in the last two years. Karlos Dansby and Donte Whitner helped fill the role last year.
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While the Browns will have some competition for the long time Eagle, Pettine’s statements tell us the team is likely to push hard, and add dollars, to get him to Cleveland. The Browns have already signed Josh McCown to compete at quarterback and tonight Brian Hartline at the receiver position. We wouldn’t be shocked if the team adds a defensive lineman, Cole and Cecil Shorts all tomorrow to really start off their off-season strong.
It will be interesting what direction the Browns go in if Cole decides to go elsewhere. The competition with the Colts is interesting as the two teams run a very similar system. The Colts have the QB that has helped lead them to the playoffs in Andrew Luck but reports are that Pettine is a great drawing card for the Browns.
Where do you think Trent Cole signs?