The Cleveland Browns have an abundance of youthful running backs after getting success from Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West last season while adding Duke Johnson to the roster this year. The three backs are battling things out in training camp as only one can be named the starter. While the Browns continue to operate under a ground game by committee type of offense, if trade interest were to rise for one of the running backs, would they take the bait?
UPDATE: The Texans have signed Pierre Thomas, so a trade with the Browns is very unlikely at this point. UPDATE II: The Texans and Pierre Thomas could not agree on a deal. There is a chance a contract could happen later.
According to ESPN's Tony Grossi, West is on thin ice with the Browns. While the running back has been seeing time with the first-team offense, the Browns are concerned about maturity issues while he also arrived to training camp 13 lbs overweight. That did not exactly please the coaches. West has competition for his spot which means if he fails to step up in the near future, a move could potentially be made.
NFLMocks.com brings up the idea that the Browns seek a trade of West as teams like the Houston Texans seek a replacement for Arian Foster following his groin injury. At some point, Cleveland will have to make the call between Crowell and West and this could be the perfect time for the team. The Texans need a running back for the future as Foster's injury history and age are beginning to really work against him. With the free agent market thin on talent, West could easily step in as the starter and get the team moving.
Will a trade happen this season? It is 50-50 at best. The Browns need as many playmakers as they can get and will likely wait and see how both West and Crowell develop in their second season before making a choice between the two. An injury to Johnson is also putting stress on both backs. The rookie is dealing with hamstring issues that are setting him back from the competition in training camp.
"It's just disappointing that a guy that we're counting on to be a big part of what we do, to lose him at this formative time of what we're getting done, that's tough,'' said head coach Mike Pettine, via Cleveland Plain Dealer. "He'll have a lot of catch up work to do. We're making sure he gets all of those reps mentally. But there's no substitute for actual live reps."
Chances are slim the Browns make a move with a running back this season. However, if the Texans get desperate and offer a solid return package, Cleveland might not be as hesitant as originally assumed.
