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Joe Haden on the Trade Block: Five Potential Landing Spots

By George Stockburger

Dec 28, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) looks on during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) looks on during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 12, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback Sean Smith (21) reacts in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 12, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback Sean Smith (21) reacts in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

This deal is a win-win for both teams. The Raiders are on the verge of being legitimate contenders for the first time since 2002. They have the quarterback, the weapons on offense, and the pass rushers on defense. What they don’t have is a defense that can shutdown opponents.

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Despite spending big in free agency, the Raiders defense is arguably the worst in the NFL. Through week seven, they allowed the most receiving yards, 40-yard catches, and yards per game in the NFL. Sean Smith needs someone on the other side of the field, and Oakland doesn’t have enough reliable depth.

Cleveland interviewed Cook at the combine, and the former Spartan said it would be a dream come true to play for his hometown team. “I think it’d be great. Obviously, growing up a Browns fan, growing up going to the games as a little kid, watching it and visualizing myself being out there, playing in that stadium, playing in the NFL, it would just be a dream come true. It would be surreal.”

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Cleveland needs and answer at quarterback, and they could turn to Connor Cook right now. Instead of using their potential number one overall pick on Deshaun Watson or another mystery quarterback, Cleveland could land Myles Garrett or Jabrill Peppers. They need playmakers everywhere, and this gives them that option.

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