The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
TEXANS TRADE QB OSWEILER TO BROWNS
Texans dump huge contract, expected to pursue Romo.
The Browns found a franchise quarterback, just maybe not their own.
Cleveland acquired veteran Brock Osweiler and a 2018 second-round pick on Thursday in a stunning trade with the Houston Texans, who were looking for a partner to help them get rid of the QB’s $16 million guaranteed contract.
The deal gives the Browns more assets to perhaps trade for a quarterback such as New England backup Jimmy Garoppolo, and it allows the Texans to clear some salary-cap space to make a run at a starter, potentially former Cowboys star Tony Romo. Cleveland and Houston are also swapping 2017 fourthand sixth-round picks.
The Browns also spent millions on the first day of the free agency signing period by landing former Bengals right guard Kevin Zeitler and giving left guard Joel Bitonio a five-year extension.
Cleveland now has two first-round picks — the Nos. 1 and 12 — and two second-rounders this year, and three second-round picks in 2018. With nearly $102 million in salary-cap space to start the day, the Browns were in a position to take on Osweiler’s contract and essentially paid $16 million for another high draft pick.
“We’re really excited to acquire a second-round draft choice in this trade,” said Sashi Brown, Cleveland’s executive vice president of football operations. “Draft picks are extremely important to our approach in building a championship caliber football team. We are intent on adding competition to every position on our roster and look forward to having Brock come in and compete.”
However, it’s possible the Browns, who now have 11 picks in this year’ draft, will move Osweiler long before he sees a field in Cleveland.
Osweiler went 8-6 in 14 starts for Houston last season. The Texans are in the market to upgrade the position in free agency or through a trade, and there’s a strong chance they’ll take a run at Romo, who is expected to be traded or released by Dallas.
Eagles: Carson Wentz gets to throw to a pair of accomplished wide receivers next season after Philadelphia agreed on a one-year deal with Alshon Jeffery a few hours after giving Torrey Smith a three-year deal.
Jeffery was considered the top receiver available in free agency, but he couldn’t secure a long-term deal to remain in Chicago after getting the franchise tag last year. Jeffery, 27, is coming off two down seasons in which he missed 11 games due to injury and suspension.
Smith, 28, released by the 49ers last week, caught 53 passes for 930 yards and seven touchdowns in two seasons in San Francisco.
The Eagles cleared cap space by releasing defensive end Connor Barwin, saving $7.75 million.
Bears: Officially have closed the book on the Jay Cutler era after an unfulfilling eight years at quarterback that included only one postseason appearance.
The Bears made cutting Cutler their first official move as the NFL free-agent market opened, while they were reportedly working toward finalizing an agreement to replace him with former Tampa Bay quarterback Mike Glennon.
Jaguars: Made another big splash in free agency, adding three starters expected to make a decent defense dynamic. The Jaguars agreed to terms with Houston cornerback A.J. Bouye, Arizona defensive end Calais Campbell and Dallas safety Barry Church on deals totaling more than $150 million.
The 25-year-old Bouye agreed to a five-year deal worth $67.5 million, the person said, with $26 million guaranteed. Campbell agreed to a four-year deal worth $60 million, with $30 million guaranteed. He chose Jacksonville over Denver. Church agreed to a four-year contract worth $26 million.
49ers: Will sign receiver Pierre Garcon and linebacker Malcolm Smith to five-year contracts. Garcon will be reunited with coach Kyle Shanahan, who was his offensive coordinator in Washington in 2013 when he set career highs with 113 catches for 1,346 yards. His deal is worth $47.5 million with $20 million guaranteed and $16 million paid in the first year.
Smith got a deal worth $26.5 million with $13 million guaranteed to move from Oakland to San Francisco.
Panthers: Agreed to terms with unrestricted free-agent left tackle Matt Kalil from the Vikings on a five-year deal worth $55.5 million, with $25 million guaranteed.
Kalil, who spent five seasons in Minnesota after being selected fourth overall in 2012, will play with older brother Ryan, Carolina’s twotime All-Pro center.
Redskins: Fired general manager Scot McCloughan on the opening day of free agency. Team president Bruce Allen announced the firing Thursday night. McCloughan, 46, served as GM for the past two years.
After Allen said the day McCloughan was hired that the GM would have full control over personnel, there were splits in the front office on a number of issues. He did not attend the combine, with a spokesman saying it was for family matters.
Bucs: Tampa Bay added a deep threat for Jameis Winston when it agreed to terms with wide receiver DeSean Jackson on a three-year contract. Jackson, a three-time Pro Bowler, spent the past three seasons with Washington. He will fit in a receiving corps that already has the prolific Mike Evans.
Ravens: Reached agreement with free-agent safety Tony Jefferson and running back Danny Woodhead.
Jefferson made 96 tackles for the Cardinals last season. The 25-year-old has two interceptions over four seasons but is known primarily as a sure tackler and should form a solid 1-2 punch with safety Eric Weddle.
Rams: Addressed their two biggest needs by agreeing to terms with offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth and receiver Robert Woods.
Whitworth got a threeyear deal to leave the Bengals, and USC product Woods got a five-year deal to return home to LA from Buffalo.
Broncos: Will sign former Cowboys guard Ronald Leary to a four-year, $35 million deal that includes $20 million guaranteed. Leary is expected to start at left guard with Max Garcia moving over to the right side.
Packers: Re-signed linebacker Nick Perry, bringing back an important piece to their defense. Perry had a breakout season in 2016, with a career-high 11 sacks.
Lions: Released DeAndre Levy, one of the league’s best linebackers two years ago before a series of hip and knee injuries.