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- Why did the Giants trade Odell Beckham? (Pluto) - Why did the Giants do it? That’s what I was wondering after New York shipped receiver Odell Beckham and pass rusher Olivier Vernon to the Browns for guard Kevin Zeitler, safety Jabrill Peppers and 2019 draft picks in the first and third rounds.
- These are not your 2008 Browns (ohio.com) - It wouldn’t be accurate to say the noise building around the 2019 Browns has never been heard before. Here’s why “the last time” went south, and why 2019 should be different.
- 6 second-wave free agents who can help the Browns (Browns Wire) - The first wave of free agency is done, and the second wave is crashing to front offices around the NFL. The Cleveland Browns have been active in both, but there is still more to come. The depth at several spots has picked up with some recent signings, notably CB Phillip Gaines and OL Bryan Witzmann. But there is still room for competition for starting jobs as well as reserve roles.
NFL:
- One rule proposal would let coaches challenge uncalled penalties in replay (PFT) - A proposal the owners will consider next week allows uncalled penalties to be reviewed — but only if the coach can cite a specific penalty committed by a specific player.
- What is a uniform number worth? (ESPN) - The Baltimore Ravens knew what they were getting when they signed Earl Thomas in free agency. Thomas is an All-Pro safety, a feared ball hawk and a defensive back with swagger. He apparently also is a tough negotiator. Thomas’ first deal was hammered out before he put on a Ravens uniform, which will feature his preferred No. 29 as a result of some creative talks.
- Robert Kraft is “truly sorry” (boston.com) - New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft says he’s “truly sorry” for the pain he has caused to those close to him and to Patriots fans in the wake of being charged with soliciting prostitution.
- Raiders set for “surgical” approach to the draft (ESPN) - The Oakland Raiders have been more than a little busy since the NFL’s new year officially rang in on March 13. Not only have there been moves splashy enough to surely make HBO’s “Hard Knocks” overlords take notice -- but the team has also addressed real and specific needs while doling out more than $101 million in guaranteed contracts. To be sure, there are many more needs. The Raiders were 4-12 in Jon Gruden’s teardown season of 2018. But all the moves give the Raiders options heading into next month’s draft.