After failing to find a suitable trade, the Browns have decided to cut two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden. Haden, a 2010 first-round draft pick, had spent his entire career with the Browns, making the second team All-Pro in 2013.
For everything you've done for this team and for this community: #ThankYouJoe pic.twitter.com/O5myj7faEB
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 30, 2017
Haden had faced some injury problems in recent years. He suffered a season-ending concussion in 2015 and, after missing three games last year, had offseason surgery on his groin. His production hadn’t been matching the five-year, $67.5 million extension he signed in 2014.
The Browns didn’t make the move for cap room. They’ll take on $10.4 million in dead cap for Haden over the next two seasons, according to Spotrac. But that’s not a problem since they have an obscene amount of cap space, so much that Brock Osweiler’s crazy contract barely even makes a dent. While 30-year-old Jason McCourty will start at corner, releasing Haden opens up more playing time for 24-year-old Briean Boddy-Calhoun as the Browns continue their youth movement.
While Haden was among the worst cornerbacks in the league last season and didn’t look any better this preseason, teams are reportedly showing interest in the former star already. Considering Haden no longer commands a huge contract, signing him is a low-risk, high-reward scenario for a contender looking to strengthen its secondary.
Joe Haden's agent Drew Rosenhaus on his client: "Tons of interest in him. He will have a new deal with another team by tomorrow afternoon."
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 30, 2017
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Saints and the Chiefs are at the top of the list.
Two teams expected to have strong interest in Joe Haden are the Saints and Chiefs.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 30, 2017
Haden has some familiarity with Saints defensive backs coach Aaron Glenn, who coached the Browns’ defensive backs in 2014 and 2015. The Saints already have good depth at cornerback, but a handful of those guys are injury prone. Delvin Breaux is likely headed for injured reserve with a stress fracture in his fibula. P.J. Williams spent most of last season on injured reserve with a concussion. Rookie Marshon Lattimore has a well-known injury history.
While the Chiefs have Marcus Peters as their No. 1 corner, they’re still trying to figure out who start opposite him. Terrance Mitchell and Steven Nelson have both nursed injuries during preseason, and adding Haden would bring some valuable depth.
Jason La Canfora reported we can also expect the Steelers to get involved in negotiations. They’ve been looking to add a cornerback for a while.
I'd keep a close eye on the Steelers in regards to any high profile corners let go, like Haden. They've been sniffing around on several
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) August 30, 2017
If Pittsburgh adds Haden, that would provide a great Week 1 storyline. The Steelers play their season opener in Cleveland.
The Colts could be another fit for Haden. Indianapolis has $20 million in cap space and recently lost Vontae Davis to an injury that could keep him out multiple weeks.
Haden may not be the defender he once was, but his situation should provide a fun little bidding war as we get closer to the start of the season.
