Cleveland Browns News: Darren Fells released, Browns new North favorites
By Randy Gurzi
The Cleveland Browns made a big trade this weekend which helps them become favorites in the AFC North, and they also unexpectedly released tight end Darren Fells
On Friday, the Cleveland Browns shocked fans when they shipped off guard Kevin Zeitler. Not only was he a fan favorite, but Zeitler was one of the best in the business at what he does. The good news in the deal was they at least got a solid player in return.
In exchange for their starting right guard, the Browns landed edge rusher Olivier Vernon. While it’s true he didn’t thrive as the No. 1 pass rusher in New York, Vernon should do perfectly fine as the secondary edge rusher opposite Myles Garrett. That move makes their defense much better and propels them to the favorites in the AFC North according to many who watch the game.
Not long after that move was made, rumors started swirling that the team was also shopping backup tight end Darren Fells. They found no trade partners for him, and he was subsequently released.
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Cleveland Browns News
Browns release Darren Fells after failed effort to trade him — Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk
"“The Browns have tried to find a trade partner for tight end Darren Fells. They were unable to do so, and now they’ve released him.”"
Darren Fells was a solid reserve tight end and even caught the first touchdown pass of Baker Mayfield’s career. However, the team moved on from him, which was somewhat surprising given his play in 2018.
Who laughs last – Cleveland Browns, Giants or Odell Beckham Jr?
Elliot Kennel looks at the whole saga surrounding the Cleveland Browns, New York Giants and Odell Beckham, Jr. and asks who will walk away from this drama looking like a winner.
"“I don’t think it precludes the Browns from drafting an edge-rusher at No. 17, but they’re not pressured to take on there now. It opens the door for them to possibly take one of the big, physical disruptive defensive tackles that might fall to them at No. 17 such as Clemson’s Christian Wilkins, Houston’s Ed Oliver or Mississippi State’s Jeffery Simmons.”"
This was arguably the smartest thing about the Vernon trade — and Greg Robinson re-signing — the Browns don’t have to pick any position out of sheer need. Instead, they can look for the best fit and feel no pressure.
Browns are starting to be viewed as the AFC North favorites
The departure of Antonio Brown in Pittsburgh and the arrival of Olivier Vernon in Cleveland is suddenly shifting who is favored in the AFC North. Dan Justik looks at how people are starting to view the Browns differently.
Next. Will Olivier Vernon trade push Emmanuel Ogbah out?. dark
3 Defensive tackle options in 2019 NFL Free Agency
Along the same lines of landing Olivier Vernon, the Browns could elect to use free agency to plug their hole at defensive tackle rather than hoping the player they want falls to them in the draft. Here are three possible players who could help beef up Cleveland’s defensive line.