Cleveland Browns

Joe Haden on the Trade Block: Five Potential Landing Spots

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 12:45 a.m. ET

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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

Cleveland is once again already out of the playoff race, and they could be looking to unload before the Tuesday trade deadline

NFL trades are extremely rare, especially during the middle of the season. With so many moving pieces in NFL schemes, it’s hard to find a trade partner and get the player on board.

Regardless, teams such as the Cleveland Browns should be looking to unload their best talent in order to reshape their rebuild. One name that has reportedly surfaced is Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden.

Mentioned on #NFLGameDay one big name that’s been part of trade talks: #Browns CB Joe Haden. If he shows he’s healthy, this could ramp up

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 30, 2016

What would it cost to acquire Haden? Looking at past trades for top cornerbacks, at least two draft picks. Darrell Revis cost Tampa Bay a first and fourth round pick back in 2013 with the Jets. On the flip side, the Jets paid San Diego a second round pick for Antonio Cromartie. Finally, the Raiders gave Atlanta a second and fifth round pick for DeAngelo Hall back in the day.

Here’s five teams who could require the services of Joe Haden and swing the trade to make a statement heading into the second half of the season.

Oct 16, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) cannot make the reception as Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith (22) defends in the 1st half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland most likely won’t want to keep Haden in the division, but if they get an offer strong enough, they could feel obligated to pull off the deal.

Baltimore has given up five receptions that have gone 40 yards or more, fourth-highest in the NFL. Rookie Tavon Young is currently the teams’ highest-rated cornerback according to PFF, and is the 41st-ranked corner in the league. Veteran Jimmy Smith has been awful in coverage, but still has multiple years left on his contract.

The Ravens are one game behind the Steelers, but have lost four straight games. With Ben Roethlisberger out for an extended period with a knee injury, now it the time for the Ravens to make their move.

It would cost more than most teams, but the Ravens could potentially get a deal done knowing the type of people in that front office.

Oct 16, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry (14) makes a catch in front of Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Artie Burns (25) at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Another AFC North team makes a call to Cleveland, except this time it’s the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite drafting Artie Burns in the first round, Pittsburgh is in desperate need of a cornerback.

William Gay has performed well, but is 31-years-old and can’t cover the entire field. Ross Cockrell belongs at nickel, evident by his struggles against larger wide receivers. When facing A.J. Green twice a year, you need someone who can compete.

Finally, none of the Steelers young-guns have panned out thus far. Artie Burns is still learning the ropes, Justin Gilbert (who was acquired from Cleveland) is still a bust, and Senquez Golson is on injured reserve.

Pittsburgh needs to counter the Ravens and hope their defense carries the team while Big Ben rehabs from a knee injury. They currently sit atop the AFC North, but there’s little room for error.

Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) catches a touchdown pass against Green Bay Packers cornerback Damarious Randall (23) during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Packers 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Here’s a wrinkle you can throw into the conversation. It appears obvious that Brett Hundley has no long-term future in Green Bay, regardless of Aaron Rodgers “struggles.” Cleveland will try anyone out at quarterback, and this is just another option for them.

Green Bay has seen poor play from their cornerbacks all season. Marvin Jones had a breakout game for Detroit with 200 receiving yards and two touchdowns, and Stefon Diggs preceded that with 183 yards and a touchdown.

One game behind the Vikings, who took the first match-up of the season, Green Bay needs to sure-up their defense if they want a chance to take-back their division crown. They still have games against Julio Jones, DeAndre Hopkins, and Marvin Jones on their schedule, and need to win every game possible to stay in-step with Minnesota.

Oct 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Jalen Mills (31) prepares for action against the Minnesota Vikings at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 21-10. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

This trade is contingent on what the Minnesota Vikings do this year in the playoffs. Philadelphia receives a second round pick should the Vikings make the Super Bowl, a third if they make the NFC Championship, and a fourth if neither. This is a risk for Cleveland, but they’ve made risky moves before without batting an eye. The counter the risk by getting a third round pick and wide receiver Nelson Agholor, the Eagles first round pick from 2015.

Howie Roseman has eradicated as much of the Chip Kelly regime as he can, and Nelson Agholor is the glaring remembrance of the Kelly invasion. He has not lived up to the potential in Philadelphia, and has already fallen out of favor with the fans for playing too small.

Sep 19, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Tracy Porter (21) breaks up a pass intended for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Nelson Agholor (17) during the second half at Soldier Field. Philadelphia won 29-14. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia has a glaring need at cornerback. Seventh round pick Jalen Mills is the lone starter who has at-least shown signs of life, but still struggles. Ron Brooks ruptured his quad tendon, and Leodis McKelvin has dealt with a hamstring injury all year. Philadelphia has no one who can cover, and has been forced to move Malcolm Jenkins into the nickel slot.

Fighting with the Cowboys for the division lead Sunday night, the Eagles need to make one more move to establish themselves as the best team in the NFC East. While Philadelphia is all about building towards the future, having a corner is a necessary move. You won’t have to focus on drafting one in 2017, and instead can find wide receivers and offensive linemen.

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.