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NFL Trade Machine: Philip Rivers To Cleveland

By Erik Lambert

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Dec 28, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) gets up after being sacked by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 19-7. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Now here is a surprise a lot of fans didn’t expect.  Philip Rivers wishing to play out the rest of his contract without an extension?  That is big news and has led, inevitably, to NFL trade speculation.

The San Diego Chargers don’t have a choice really.  They can’t afford to lose a Pro Bowl quarterback for nothing.  Even at age 33, Rivers still has lots of value given the limited number of quality talent at the most important position in pro football.  Somebody is going to sign him in free agency.  That part is without question.  The question the Chargers need answered is what can they get for him in a trade?

Depending on the team, more than enough.  If there is one phone call they should make it’s to the Cleveland Browns.  They have a glaring need at the position and are one of two teams in the 2015 draft with two 1st round picks.

Trade:  Chargers deal Rivers to Browns for #19 overall pick

Benefits To San Diego

To be able to rescue their situation by getting a 1st round pick alone with be a victory for the Chargers.  Granted, it won’t solve their overall problem of having nobody to replace Rivers but it gives them the ammunition to perhaps go after Marcus Mariota, another rumor that is gaining steam.  On top of that they would gain upwards of another $16 million in salary cap space which they could put to good use across the rest of the roster.

Benefits To Cleveland

With over $40 million in cap space left the Browns have no reason not to make this move.  Philip Rivers is the caliber of quarterback they haven’t had in Cleveland for decades.  Forget the age for a second.  His addition plus another receiver or two would instantly make them playoff contenders.  The 1st round pick may be a high price but considering how long it’s been since the Browns were relevant it’s a price worth paying since they have one to spare anyway.

If Rivers is truly on his way out then San Diego has every right to shop him on the NFL trade market, and the Browns make more sense than any team out there.

Next: 2015 NFL Mock Draft: Trade Plague 3rd Round

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