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NFL Trade Machine: New Home For Barkevious Mingo?

ByErik Lambert|

Oct 26, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo (51) at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Browns had really hoped they were getting a great pass rusher for their defense when they selected Barkevious Mingo with the 6th overall pick in 2013.  Yet over the past three seasons he has not lived up to that billing.  He has seven sacks total in his career with none coming through seven games in 2015.  Steadily the coaching staff has reduced his amount of playing time, leading to the belief they are about done with the 25-year old.

This has in turn sparked speculation that they may try to trade him what with his rookie contract in place through 2016 with a fifth-year option on top of it.  Alex Marvez of Fox Sports explains.

"“Mingo is making $585,000, which translates to $34,412 for each week of the season.  Mingo’s base salary is $675,000 for 2016, which is the final year of the deal unless his fifth-year rookie option is picked up. Mingo and his agent recently complained about a lack of playing time, which could open the door for a trade to a team that thinks a change of scenery would kick his NFL career into gear.”"

Given his age and lack of injury concerns, it’s a classic NFL trade situation.  Maybe Mingo just never took to the culture or coaching the Browns have offered.  After all, he was such a tremendous athlete coming out of LSU with a skill set that drew comparisons to DeMarcus Ware.  Under the right guidance there is still hope for him to realize that vast potential.

It’s just a matter of where to send him.  Here are some teams to consider.

Denver Broncos

Who better to mentor Mingo on how to become a truly great pass rusher than the guy he was compared to in Ware himself.  The Denver Broncos are always on the lookout for possible help with their pass rush, even though they don’t really need it.  Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is one of the best in the business at coaching players up in that department.  He’d know exactly what to do.

Chicago Bears

GM Ryan Pace is trying to help head coach John Fox build a new 3-4 defense for the Chicago Bears.  So far their efforts have bore fruit but they still don’t have enough key pieces in place.  They really could use another presence across from Pernell McPhee and their coordinator Vic Fangio has a history of successful reclamation projects.  Provided the price isn’t steep, this is the kind of gamble Pace should consider.

Arizona Cardinals

Bruce Arians doesn’t fear a challenge.  He’s already resurrected a couple of careers with the Arizona Cardinals.  Ask Carson Palmer, Larry Fitzgerald and Chris Johnson.  What’s to stop him from doing it with young players too?  Mingo is a great fit for their 3-4 scheme and their indoor stadium and warmer climate might serve to build up his spirits from where they are now.

Next: 2016 NFL Mock Draft: Beware The Trade Avalanche

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