All of the rumors that have circulated regarding Braylon Edwards and the New York Giants (first reported by The OBR, weeks ago) continue to find new winds as the NFL Draft nears.
The basis behind the trade is that if Braylon Edwards does not agree to a contract extension – as the team does want him to be a part of the future – that they will look to ship him off to a team that could use his services. In return, the Browns are looking for at least a first- and third-round draft choice; using the Roy Williams/Dallas Cowboys deal from last season as a benchmark. (Detroit received a first-, third-, and sixth-rounder for Williams)
With that said, it appears that both parts of this formula appear to be at a crossroads of sorts.
Edwards does want an extension. However, he is reportedly looking for a similar contract to Larry Fitzgerald. You all know Fitzgerald, he of the 100 reception and 1400 yard averages over the past two seasons. Also the same receiver that singlehandedly kept his team in the Super Bowl until his defensive unit could not maintain the lead. Fitzgerald’s contract is massive, earning him $14.5 million last season and $17.3 million this coming year.
Needless to say, Braylon Edwards is nothing close to Larry Fitzgerald. Thus, if these rumors are true, No. 17s future may be in limbo.
But where he goes is also experiencing a snag. The story from The OBR references some serious counter-bidding by the New York Giants that ultimately proposed a first- and fifth- round selection coming to the Browns. Given that a fifth-rounder is not a third-rounder, the Browns have passed. For now.
Other teams looking to bolster their receiving corps include the Eagles (owners of the 21st and 28th picks), Raiders, Jaguars, Bears (with 12th and 18th picks) and the Ravens. I would essentially count out Baltimore as a trading partner for Edwards, but stranger things have happened. Those with multiple first-round picks could afford to move one without sacrificing much in terms of this year’s draft. Stay tuned.



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