5 Cleveland Browns since 1999 who deserved a ring
By Greg Newland
2. Cornerback – Joe Haden
Now keep in mind fans, this isn’t a list of the most talented Browns who you wanted to see win a Super Bowl, it is the most deserving. Joe Haden struggled with injuries at the end of his Browns career, but there was no better person for the city of Cleveland.
After a disappointing 40-yard dash at the combine (4.52), many were shocked to see the Browns draft him so high in 2010 at pick no. seven. Haden certainly lived up to that hype with two pro-bowl seasons and five very strong seasons with the Browns.
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Haden was drafted at a time when rookie contracts had no cap, so he received two large deals from the Browns. Perhaps the only disappointing part of the Haden era in Cleveland was the five-year $68 million contract in 2014. At the time, Brown’s fans were thrilled and Haden was THE fan favorite on defense.
Year one of the contract was worth every penny, but then Haden would miss 14 games over the next two seasons, and many weeks where he played he seemed a step behind because of injury.
Haden remains in the league and signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers after being released by the Browns in 2016. Haden did earn a pro-bowl appearance last season but still has yet to return to his 2013-2014 form.
As mentioned before, there have been better players come through Cleveland, but none loved Cleveland more than Haden. He gave back to the city and had a passion for the game that was contagious. EVEN with Haden going to the Steelers, it would have been great to see him get a ring in Cleveland. Haden was never apart of a winning season in Cleveland.