According to sources close to Mary Kay Cabot, the Cleveland Browns are trading linebacker Mack Wilson to the New England Patriots for defensive end Chase Winovich.
#Browns are trading LB Mack Wilsonto the #Patriots for OLB Chase Winovich, sources tell clevelanddotcom
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) March 15, 2022
Wilson, 24, was drafted by the Browns in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
He played college football at the University of Alabama.
Wilson recently removed all references of the Browns off of his social media.
In addition to doing that, he posted the following tweet on March 3:
“Stuck to the script through thick and thin. It’s time to get on my bully.”
Stuck to the script through thick and thin. It’s time to get on my bully! pic.twitter.com/TwI8OwPeNo
— MWS (@MackWilSr) March 3, 2022
Wilson is in the final year of his four-year rookie contract valued at $2.8 million.
Who Is Chase Winovich
Winovich, 26, was the Patriots’ third-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
He played college football at the University of Michigan.
Winovich played in 45 games for the Patriots.
He had 56 solo tackles, 23 quarterback hits, 11 sacks, and 10 tackles for a loss.
The Browns have traded LB Mack Wilson to the Patriots for EDGE Chase Winovich.
Winovich: 70.4 grade since 2019 (38th among EDGEs) pic.twitter.com/VgKUAluaoi
— PFF CLE Browns (@PFF_Browns) March 15, 2022
Is Winovich Replacing Jadeveon Clowney?
There has been no indication that Jadeveon Clowney will re-sign with the Browns.
Report: Jadeveon Clowney unlikely to return to the Browns. pic.twitter.com/PJwvCHDWWs
— Cleveland Sports Talk (@CLEsportsTalk) March 10, 2022
His breakout season in 2021 should open doors for him for a long-term profitable deal.
In the meantime, Winovich gets the opportunity to work with and learn from Myles Garrett.
Browns Fill A Critical Need
Wilson’s best season was his rookie year.
Since then, he has fallen down the depth chart in Cleveland most notably in 2021 with the arrival of Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.
Andrew Berry getting compensation for Mack Wilson is incredible considering Mack was a likely cut candidate entering last season.
Welcome to Cleveland Chase Winovich! pic.twitter.com/k372g5SSlA
— Nick Karns (@karnsies817) March 15, 2022
The Browns get a DE which they desperately need with Clowney likely not returning and Takkarist McKinley, also a free agent, dealing with a late-season Achilles injury.
The Patriots have traded OLB Chase Winovich to the Browns for LB Mack Wilson, as @TomPelissero reported.
A change of scenery for the 2019 draft picks, as Winovich can help the Browns’ pass rush, while Wilson can help a retooled Patriots LB group.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 15, 2022
Conclusion
It is interesting to note that the Browns have been more active with trades than in free agency so far this offseason.
The only free agent signed as of Tuesday morning is defensive tackle Taven Bryan formerly with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Welcome to Cleveland Chase Winovich!
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