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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

Few players over the past couple weeks have drawn more attention on the NFL trade rumor mill than San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers.  His reported stall on negotiating a new contract with the team due to rampant speculation they would be moving to Los Angeles in the near future, something that doesn’t appeal to him.

Thus by refusing to entertain the idea of extension, he has put the Chargers in a difficult position.  They can’t just let him walk out the door in free agency and get nothing in return.  So the only way to make something happen for everybody if Rivers is indeed not going to budge on the contract is trade him.  This of course led to instant theories the team would use him in a package to move up to the #2 pick in the draft and get one of the top quarterbacks, either Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota.

However, NFL insider Ian Rapoport also brought up the possibility that if Tennessee isn’t willing to budge from the #2 pick, San Diego might still deal Rivers in exchange for two 1st round picks.  If such a situation were to arise, there is no doubt the Cleveland Browns would come front and center into the picture since they hold the #12 and #19 picks.

Benefits To The Chargers

The idea here is if the Chargers are going to lose Rivers and can’t get high enough for Mariota or Winston, then the best thing for them is to load up on as many 1st round choices as they can grab.  By dealing Rivers to Cleveland, they are suddenly in possession of the #12, #17 and #19 picks.  That gives them either the chance to load up their roster with front line talent at any position they wish or even entertain the idea of a blockbuster trade for another quarterback from elsewhere.

Benefits To The Browns

Following their Johnny Manziel debacle, it’s no question the Browns are at a point where they are desperate to solve the quarterback problem that has dogged them for a decade.  A five-time Pro Bowlers like Philip Rivers being brought in via NFL trade may be what it takes.  Even though he’s going to be 34-years old this year, the price tag is one they can afford and his arrival in Cleveland may just change the balance of power in the AFC North division.

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