Sources: Joe Banner has final say

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The Cleveland Browns' transition of power will first be reflected in the way the organization handles the NFL's trade deadline, one week from Tuesday.

According to sources around the league, Cleveland's new CEO Joe Banner, not the Browns' braintrust of president Mike Holmgren and general manager Tom Heckert, will have the final say on whether or not the Browns make any trades.

It is the surest sign of a shift in Cleveland. Any team that calls Cleveland to inquire about the availability of quarterback Colt McCoy or any other Browns player will need the input and approval of Banner.

In the past, Holmgren would have to approve any deal and he relied heavily on Heckert to engage in any trade talks, like the failed ones to trade up in April's NFL draft for Robert Griffin III or the successful ones to trade up for Trent Richardson.

But starting now and continuing through and beyond the NFL's trade deadline, Banner is boss.

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Adam Schefter

NFL

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• ESPN NFL Insider
• Joined ESPN in 2009
• Former president of the Pro Football Writers of America and the author of four books