7 Players the Cleveland Browns should have never let get away

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OCTOBER 16: Running back Earnest Byner #44 of the Cleveland Browns runs through a hole during an NFL game against the Philadelphia Eagles on August 21, 1988. The Browns defeated the Eagles 19-3. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) /

(1984-1988). Earnest Byner. 4. player. 53. . RB

In 1985, the Browns had one of the best ground games the NFL has ever seen. Earnest Byner and Kevin Mack became the third teammates in history to cross the 1,000-yard rushing mark in the same season. Mack, their first-round rookie that season, led them with 1,104 yards on the ground off 222 rushes. Byner, their second-year back, had more attempts (244) but less yardage overall at 1,002. He did have one more touchdown than Mack, finishing the year with eight.

Byner also showed off his ability to catch the ball as he had 45 receptions for 460 yards and another two touchdowns. Despite having two stints with Cleveland which spanned seven total seasons, this was by far Byner’s best season with the Browns. That doesn’t mean he wasn’t a valuable member of the team.

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What made Byner great was his versatility. It didn’t matter what was asked of him, he would go out there and perform to the best of his ability. If he needed to line up as a fullback, he would. If they needed him to return kicks, he would. Byner didn’t blink at any task and always exceeded expectations.

Unfortunately, the team decided to trade him away, sending Byner to the Washington Redskins in exchange for Mike Oliphant. This was clearly a one-sided trade as Oliphant had 97 total rushing yards in his Cleveland career. As for Byner, he made two-straight Pro Bowls for Washington as he had more than 1,000-yards in each of his first two seasons with the club.

Overall, Byner had 3,950 yards and 25 rushing touchdowns in his five seasons in D.C. and another 1,577 yards and four more touchdowns through the air. He was also a huge part of their title run following the 1991 season which ended with a Super Bowl XXXVI win. In that game, Byner had 49 rushing yards and another 24 receiving. He even scored the first touchdown of the contest, catching a 10-yard pass from Mark Brunell to give Washington an early 10-0 lead.

Byner came back to the Browns in 1994 and was part of the team that moved to Baltimore. Byner then won another ring as he was on the Ravens staff when they defeated the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV.

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