1:47pm: The Browns continue to discuss possible trades involving Mingo and Kruger, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (via Twitter).
1:35pm: Within the last few days, the Browns have emerged as one of the most fascinating teams to watch at the trade deadline, with names like Joe Thomas, Alex Mack, and Barkevious Mingo emerging as potential trade candidates. However, despite all the rumors and speculation, Cleveland isn’t expected to participate in any major deals at this afternoon’s deadline, says ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter).
As I noted earlier today, there was a chance of the Browns becoming the day’s biggest seller if their asking prices were met, but those prices sounded quite steep. Several reports indicated the team was seeking more than a single first-round pick for Thomas, while one report suggested Cleveland wanted a third-round pick for either Mack or Mingo.
General manager Ray Farmer still has nearly 90 minutes to make a trade, and it remains possible he’ll make a move or two. It doesn’t sound like a player as notable as Thomas will be involved in any deal, however.
Here are a couple more Browns-related notes, as the deadline nears:
- If the Browns do make a move, outside linebacker Paul Kruger is another player worth keeping an eye on. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports (via Twitter) that the team is willing to pay some of Kruger’s remaining salary to complete a deal.
- While Josh McCown hasn’t been ruled out yet, the Browns are preparing for Thursday’s game as if Johnny Manziel will start, tweets Rand Getlin of the NFL Network. The short week doesn’t allow for a banged-up McCown to get much in the way of recovery time.