Edwards has lost the confidence of the
fans in Cleveland, racking up 28 drops
in two seasons.
UPDATE: Rumors not exclusive to Seattle
Yesterday on KJR, there were rumors spread about the Seahawks potentially trading for Browns WR Braylon Edwards. Speculation had the Seahawks trading their second-round draft pick and a day-two draft pick in 2010.
Edwards was drafted no. 3 overall by the Browns in the 2005 draft. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound receiver has all the tools to be one of the best in the league with above average speed for a player his size (4.45 40 time), tremendous athleticism, huge hands (nearly 10 inches), and he's an all-around smart guy.
However, Edwards' biggest criticism is the same demon that plagued Seattle's receivers earlier
this decade: drops.
To Continue...
Among the fan base in Cleveland, Edwards doesn't have the love that most star receivers enjoy.
Edwards said this during a local radio station interview:
"It is what it is ... I've learned since being here that I'm very unappreciated. Not by the organization, just in the eyes of the fans and the city. Since Day One, I've been a marked man coming from Michigan. It's just gone that way."During a Pro Bowl 2007 year, Edwards caught as many touchdowns passes as he dropped; a ridiculous 16. But the former overshadowed the latter.
This year, Edwards' three touchdowns didn't go as noticed as his drops. In one game alone against the Redskins, Edwards accumulated a crippling four whiffs. He led the league with 12 drops this season.
A trade may be likely because Edwards has expressed negative sentiments toward Cleveland in the past, and the same goes for the Browns' frustrated fan base.
However, can the 12th Man cope with another streak of drops? Can Matt Hasselbeck?
If Edwards cures his case of butter fingers, then he will be a great wide receiver in Seattle and once again be one of the best in the league. He has everything Seattle could want and needs, a big frame paired with spectacular athleticism.
UPDATE: Edwards is scheduled to become a free agent in 2010. He will make $4.55 million this year. If Ruskell pulls off the trade, he will need to figure out a long-term deal with Edwards or this will merely be a one year duct-tape-over-the-propeller fix. But, if Ruskell does in fact trade for the star wide receiver, he will most likely already have a plan for a new contract with Edwards.
2007 Highlights
Reach Aaron Weinberg at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
