Although new Cleveland Browns general manager Michael Lombardi is a known admirer of Ryan Mallett, the Plain-Dealer reported last month that the team is not expected to pursue a trade for the New England Patriots' backup quarterback. Now that Alex Smith, Matt Moore and Brian Hoyer are off the market, the tune may be changing. One NFL source tells The Plain Dealer he expects the Browns to try to strike up a deal for Mallett even though another source believes Patriots head coach Bill Belichick will be reluctant to part with him. As far as reports go, it's on the weak side. There's no indication from any source directly connected with the Browns that they plan to pursue Mallett. Source: NFL.com
At some point it'd kinda be dumb if the Patriots didn't trade him. They won't be able to tag him, nor would they want to and with signing Brady to an extension, he's not going to see the field before the end of his deal in 2014. This would be as good a time as any to try and get maximum value for him.
This is really weak reporting. At this point there is still nothing but Lombardi's comments about the guy when he was coming out to even suggest interest.
I also love how Brian Hoyer is all of a sudden this "hot" prospect of a back up. Let's remember he wasn't on a team until November when the Steelers signed him as their 4th guy. Cards sign him after that and all of a sudden he's on a list with Alex Smith and Matt Moore...who probably shouldn't be on the same list either...lol.
I really don't want to trade him. But in all likelihood, he won't see the field anytime in the next 3-5 years. So if we can get value for him, it's probably the best thing.
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7H9hyVHcAM]Ryan Mallett NFL debut - Patriots vs. Jaguars Preseason 8/11/11 - YouTube[/ame]
