Halapoulivaati Vaitai linked to Cleveland Browns at trade deadline
By Randy Gurzi
The Cleveland Browns could use some help at tackle and Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report thinks Halapoulivaati Vaitai can be the answer for them
During the bye week, the Cleveland Browns talked about tweaking their lineup along the offensive line. With Greg Robinson struggling at left tackle, they toyed with the idea of sliding Justin McCray over in an effort to find more consistency.
McCray is a fine backup, capable of filling in should the team be in a pinch, but he’s not the answer at left tackle. However, the fact that the team is considering him is evidence that Robinson isn’t the answer either.
With the tradeline less than a week away, the Browns do still have some options but need to act quickly. They were reportedly refuted when trying to land Trent Williams but Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report says they could still get some help.
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Sobleski predicts the landing spots for a few players on the move and he has Halapoulivaati Vaitai making his way to the Browns.
"“Halapoulivaati Vaitai is the ultimate utility lineman with plenty of starting experience. He started at left tackle for an injured Jason Peters during the 2017 Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl run. He’s also played right tackle and guard.” — Sobleski, Bleacher Report"
At 26-years old, Vaitai is set to be a free agent in the offseason and that could lead to the Eagles listening to trade offers for the player who started at left tackle during their Super Bowl win.
As for Sobleski, he also predicted Emmanuel Sanders would be traded from the Denver Broncos to the San Francisco 49ers, and then, later on, the same day his piece was released, Sanders was sent to the Niners.
There’s no telling what Philadelphia would want for Vaitai and with him hitting free agency in the offseason, the Browns need to be sure they can lock him up long-term before giving up too much.
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He’s a name to watch though as he could provide an upgrade at several positions, depending on where the Cleveland coaches think he is the best fit.