Darrell Revis Trade Shows How The Seahawks Could Move Back Into Round 1
By Keith Myers
The Seahawks no longer have a first round draft pick this year, but doesn’t mean it has to stay that way. They have the ability to acquire one if they choose to, but I don’t believe they’re going to pull the trigger to make it happen.
In case you missed it yesterday, the Jets have finally gotten around to trading Darrell Revis. Everyone knew it was going to happen. It was only a matter of when. This trade shows how the Seahawks could get back into the first round if they wanted to.
Aug 11, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; NFL: Seattle Seahawks defensive back Brandon Browner (39) participates in pregame warmups against the Tennessee Titans at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
It comes down to the fact that Tampa Bay was willing to give up so much to get Revis. The Bucs parted with picks in rounds 1, 3 and 5 to acquire Revis. Top CBs are clearly worth a lot right now, and the Seahawks have one that they could part with.
I’m speaking, of course, of Brandon Browner. Like Revis, Browner is entering into his contract year. Also like Revis, his current team is not expected to re-sign him after his contract. Trading Browner early and netting a first round pick would make some sense for the long-term health of the team.
If the Seahawks let Browner walk in free agency, they will most likely be awarded a third or fourth round compensatory draft pick the following year; after he signs a large deal with another team. The difference between that pick and a possible first rounder is enough for the team to consider letting go of Browner sooner, rather than later.
The Seahawks also have the depth at the position to make it work. They lost Browner for four games in 2012, due to his suspension, and during that time Jeremy Lane and Byron Maxwell managed just fine. The Seahawks also added Antoine Winfield this offseason, so it’s likely the team could trade Browner without losing much production on the field.
All of this assumes that Browner could net a first round pick. He’s not the same caliber as Revis, but he’s still among the best in the NFL. He’s also cheaper in terms of his contract and not coming off a major knee injury, both of which add to his value. I don’t think the Seahawks could get into the upper part of the first round, like the Jets did with Revis. Something in the last quarter of the round is more likely.
Now before everyone gets too worked up over the suggestion, it’s not going to happen. At least not this year. I’m certainly not suggesting that this should happen. I’m only pointing out that it could. If the Seahawks decided they wanted to move back into the first round, there is a reasonable path they can take to make that happen.
Besides, even though Browner is in his contract year, he’s only going to be a restricted free agent after 2013. That extra year of team control matters. The time to trade him will likely be then, not now. The Seahawks can get another year of play out of him this way, especially considering his tiny contract. He’s staying for now, but next year when this topic comes up, it wont be nearly as certain.