If the Browns are crazy enough to trade Verse for a 1st you take it, no questions asked
True, it would be the best case scenario for this edge group for at least the next 3 years. Nwosu and Fowler are UFAs after this season. Lawrence probably retires. Verse and Hall would be more than solid as the 1-2, and it doesn’t force the team to scramble to fill the position out of necessity.
Before was thinking a 2nd, 3rd*, and 5th* would be enough.
* comps
But personally Id be willing to trade our ‘27 1st for their ‘27 3rd + both Teasley comps. Plus, Pritchett, Knight, (quick look at their roster, Browns could use some competition and depth at those positions) and Ivey (think he’d could make some real noise with better opportunity, and out of our bubble edges he has the highest floor and probably has the strength and motor to contribute right away)
With Pritchett gone it just opens up a spot for guys like Fuller and Dansby to compete and the ability to keep the veteran Igby without having to make tough decisions who I think could be sneaky good.
With Knight gone, then yeah, go and get Bobby Wagner, I think he’d be phenomenal on Macdonald’s defense: fits the MOB culture like a glove, run defense is still more than solid, while being suitable than anything we got in short yardage situations and especially since he’s become a more accomplished pass-rusher the last 4 years.
And it still leaves us with 1-2 of O’Toole, Hubbard, and Jones, JR that we can stash on the PS and develop. They imo have higher athletic ceilings than Ivey but still need more development physically, mentally, or both. And if you can get one of them to at least be solid enough as a rotational player within a year then youd have at least three edges that you can build off of and that makes it much easier than just having Hall. And you can just re-sign one of Nwosu or Fowler or both and maybe push the issue further down if nothing aligns in your favor via the draft or free agency.
Basically getting Verse would be the best case scenario of sustainability without having to break the bank and gives you at least two years and a 5th year option im the 3rd to find and develop the next wave.