Berea, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – With the NFL trade deadline just under 2 weeks away, John Dorsey is working the phones.
We found out definitively one of the teams he’s had conversations with, and it comes as little surprise – Washington.
The Browns general manager confirmed that he has spoken recently with Washington general manager Bruce Allen.
“We’ve had conversations,” Dorsey said, adding “Is there anything you’d like me to pass along to him?”
A report – or tweet – from Steve Doerschuk the Canton Repository Tuesday afternoon mentioned that Washington left tackle Trent Williams “should be on Browns roster quite soon.”
With questions surrounding the current state of the Browns’ offensive line and Williams’ continued holdout this season, it’s been speculated that not only would Washington eventually move the 7-time Pro Bowl left tackle, but Cleveland would likely be a landing spot.
As Dorsey walked off the dais, he was asked about a possible deal for Williams to which he responded, “it takes 2 to tango.”
Allen has indicated that he has no intention of dealing Williams, who is signed through the 2020 season, but Dorsey heard the same song and dance from Giants GM Dave Gettleman before finally prying receiver Odell Beckham Jr. from New York in March.
The NFL trade deadline expires on Oct. 29 at 4 p.m. eastern and Dorsey made it clear he is open to making a move, or moves, to improve the current roster.
“We still have flexibility to do a lot of different things,” Dorsey said.
Dorsey lamented the lack of consistency from current Browns offensive tackles Chris Hubbard and Greg Robinson.
Tuesday afternoon Dorsey sent Austin Corbett, selected 33rd overall in the 2018 draft by Dorsey, to the Rams for a 2021 fifth round pick.
“They have to be a little more consistent in their play, and that’s real,” Dorsey said. “With Austin, I’m going to do whatever is in the best interest of this organization. I thought [Tuesday] was the appropriate time. I want to wish him the best. The new environment will be good for him. But I’m going to do what’s best for the organization. At the time I thought it was the right move right now.”
Dorsey indicated he might not be done up front despite making 2 trades at the end of August.
“That’s for coming down the road,” Dorsey said.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield, who has an NFL-leading 11 interceptions this season, has been sacked 16 times and seen defenders register 25 QB hits through 6 games but adding linemen is easier said than done.
“It’s a hard position,” Dorsey said. “You can’t have enough of those bigs. The foundation, I’ve always said, of the offense and defense, is very important. You have to acquire a lot of those pieces. It’s just a hard position to acquire, especially right about now if you’re referring to trades.”
