Will Cleveland Browns look to trade for an All-Pro safety?

Rumors started last year that safety Jamal Adams could be on the trade block.  Now, under a week away from the NFL Draft, rumors have started to resurface. Should the Cleveland Browns be interested?

When asked the question, “is Jamal Adams a fit for your favorite NFL team?”. The Answer for all 32 teams including the Cleveland Browns is, absolutely.

Adams is 24-years old and was first-team All-Pro in the 2019 season. Adams is not only a ball-hawking safety, but can also step up to defend the run and rush the quarterback.

In 2019, the All-Pro safety had 75 tackles which included 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.  His 2019 stats were down from 2018 because of an ankle injury that took him off the field for two games.

So yes, the Cleveland Browns should be extremely interested in adding a talent like Adams, especially if the cost isn’t outrageous. The Browns safety room is currently occupied by Karl Joseph and Andrew Sendejo who were both signed this offseason to one-year deals, as well as second-year player Sheldrick Redwine.

Andrew Berry has started to piece together the safety position after losing Damarious Randall, Morgan Burnett, Eric Murray, and Juston Burris who all played in 2019, but still has some work left to do.

With Joe Woods expected to run some version of the 4-2-5 defensive, the Browns will be forced to add another safety before the start of 2020. At this point, the draft seems likely, but a trade with the Jets could make sense. Three safeties will not be enough depth for next season, and the starting experience of Adams would be welcomed over the development of a young draft pick who may not adapt to the speed of the NFL.

Previously, the Cleveland Browns were aggressive in pursuing Anthony Harris even after the Minnesota Vikings decided to place the franchise tag on him. The Browns were not willing to give up a first-round pick for Harris, but the production and ceiling on Adams is even higher. Berry has proven to be analytical and aggressive, which could be the perfect formula for the Browns to land Adams.

Adams is currently under contract through the 2020 season, with the fifth-year rookie option in 2021. However, the reason this problem exists is Adams wants to be paid now.  With Adams slated to make just over $7 million in 2020, if traded he will demand an immediate extension to make him the highest-paid safety in the NFL.

Currently, over the cap shows Eddie Jackson holds that title currently, at $14.6 million per year. Will Andrew Berry be willing to open the checkbook if they can agree to a trade for Adams?

A few items to remember about a trade with the Jets. Adams has said he will hold out from the 2020 season without a new deal. This is a gutsy strategy by Adams but has been effective in the past by players who are demanding a trade and/or new contract. Remember, if the Jets let Adams walk after his contract they would only get a third-round compensatory pick, so the price tag may not be as high as many may believe.

Additionally, safety is a relatively underpaid position in the NFL currently. This highest-paid corner is making $2 million per year more than safety, and the top edge rusher is making nearly $9 million per year more. This situation is like the Austin Hooper signing.  The Browns would be making a young, high-end talent, the highest-paid player in an undervalued position.

If Cleveland can find a way to trade for Adams without giving up pick no. 10, I am all in. Adding an All-Pro talent is never a bad idea (cue Odell Beckham hate comments).

Even if the Browns have to give up pick no. 10 to get Adams, drafting a second-tier tackle like Ezra Cleveland or Josh Jones is still a solid option in round two.

My gut tells me, pick No. 41 and a third-round pick in 2021 would get the deal done given the leverage the Browns have. This feels like a deal John Dorsey would have already finalized, will Andrew Berry operate the same way?