Cleveland Browns bolster receiving corps with trade for Sammie Coates
The Cleveland Browns decided to make an upgrade by trading for wide receiver Sammie Coates, who comes over from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Just days after Joe Haden was cut by the Cleveland Browns only to join the Pittsburgh Steelers, the two teams decided to do some official business once again.
The Browns traded for Sammie Coates, which was announced on the team’s official website.
The interesting thing about the trade is that the Browns sent over the sixth-round pick that was acquired in last year’s trade with the Steelers that sent Justin Gilbert to Pittsburgh. So essentially, this trade didn’t cost anything.
Coates has been dealing with injuries in his two-year NFL career, and had some knee issues just a month ago. But if the Browns made this trade, they must be confident in his abilities.
Week 1: Browns WR Sammie Coates vs Steelers CB Joe Haden.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 2, 2017
Coates appeared in 14 games last season, hauling in 21 catches for 435 yards and two touchdowns. And while he was overshadowed by the receiving talent in Pittsburgh, he could easily be the Browns’ second receiver behind Corey Coleman, until Kenny Britt steps up. He just needs to fix his notorious problem with drops, but he is young enough to where we can hope for a change.
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The Browns were expected to make some moves to upgrade the receiving corps after it became clear the current group just doesn’t have enough talent. Even with the addition of Coates, the team is still in a position to add another player after final roster cuts this afternoon.
This trade signals Pittsburgh gave up on Coates, so hopefully he can find a new home in Cleveland. Regardless, he is going to see a lot of action because of the current lack of receiving talent on the roster.
It isn’t ideal to have to add players so close to the start of the season, but it is a good sign that Sashi Brown is continuing to make moves to make this team better, as opposed to last year when winning was secondary.
Next: Osweiler's odd time in Cleveland
Get ready for Joe Haden versus Sammie Coates in Week 1, a matchup surely confusing fans who only follow the news on Sundays.