The Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals made an unprecedented trade on Tuesday, sending veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to Cincinnati. This marked the first successful trade between these two Ohio franchises, highlighting a significant shift in their longstanding rivalry.
Past Trade Attempt: The A.J. McCarron Saga
While this deal marks a historic moment, it is worth noting a near-trade that occurred in 2017 involving A.J. McCarron. At the 2017 NFL trade deadline, the Browns were looking to secure a quarterback after failing to acquire Jimmy Garoppolo. The team was struggling with an 0-8 record and needed a veteran presence.
- Browns’ head coach Hue Jackson had previously worked with McCarron in Cincinnati.
- Owner Jimmy Haslam ultimately supported Jackson’s desire for a talent upgrade.
- The Bengals were considering the trade due to their solid relationship with Jackson.
Proposed Deal Details
The agreement involved sending a second-round and third-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft in exchange for McCarron, who was initially a fifth-round pick by the Bengals in 2014. The negotiation took place in a frantic window leading up to the trade deadline, with time running out quickly.
Paperwork Issues: A Costly Mistake
The trade unexpectedly fell through due to a paperwork mishap. Key points include:
- The Bengals submitted their signed trade papers by 3:55 p.m.
- The Browns sent their agreement at 3:54 p.m. but didn’t forward it to the NFL.
- The delay in notification led to a missed deadline of 4 p.m.
Both teams had believed they completed the necessary steps, yet communication issues led to the collapse of the deal. The confusion was compounded by differing terms in the documents submitted by both teams.
Aftermath of the Failed Trade
Despite the setback, the Browns managed to benefit from the situation. New management under General Manager John Dorsey utilized the second and third-round picks for other players, including running back Nick Chubb. McCarron eventually signed with the Buffalo Bills but was traded to the Raiders for a fifth-round pick, far less than what the Browns had offered.
This sequence of events not only adds complexity to the narrative between the Bengals and Browns but also emphasizes the importance of clear communication in high-stakes negotiations.
