Who's next in Cleveland?

October, 8, 2009
10/08/09
4:00
PM ET

Posted by ESPN.com’s James Walker


BEREA, Ohio -- It is not a cheerful environment this week at the training facility of the Cleveland Browns.
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As the Browns continue to overhaul their roster, could veteran Jamal Lewis be next on his way out of town?

Not only is the team 0-4, but the Browns on Wednesday shipped their best offensive playmaker in Braylon Edwards to the New York Jets in a surprising trade.

That has created a feeling of who's next in Cleveland's locker room? Players clearly got the message that if the Browns are willing to part ways with a former No. 3 overall draft pick during the season, no one is safe.

With the Oct. 20 trade deadline looming, would Cleveland be willing to ship tailback Jamal Lewis, for instance? There were rumors that the Browns were considering cutting Lewis in the preseason that never came to fruition. But if the Browns found the right deal, particularly involving draft picks, it wouldn’t be a complete shock.

What about the quarterbacks? The Browns don’t seem particularly committed to Derek Anderson or Brady Quinn as the long-term solution, although Anderson is starting and less likely to be moved. But if the value is high enough for either player, who knows?

There are also some experienced veterans on the roster who could help other teams, particularly on the offensive and defensive lines. The Edwards trade proves the Browns have basically written off 2009 as a lost season. So don’t be surprised if Cleveland isn’t done moving players with the 2010 season in mind.

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