Cleveland Browns Rumors: Darrelle Revis Trade And Donte Whitner Signing Reveal Draft Intentions

Cleveland Browns rumors this offseason were expected to center around their draft pick at number four and new coach Mike Pettine. But in a stunning turn of events prior to the opening of free agency, the Cleveland Browns may be making a run at a Darrelle Revis trade. Revis rumors suggest the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking to trade or waive the cornerback.

Most of the Cleveland Browns rumors for free agency have focused on bringing in more help on defense. The Browns are expected to pick offense, probably a quarterback, in the upcoming draft. With an already strong defense, Cleveland finished ninth overall in team defense, former Jets defensive coordinator Pettine is looking to solidify his secondary. Cleveland Browns rumors suggest they will sign safety Donte Whitner of the San Francisco 49ers. Whitner is considered to be one of the better safeties in the NFL and a huge part of the 49ers success the last few years.

Another reason to believe Cleveland Browns rumors about being involved in a Darrelle Revis trade is their decision to release popular linebacker D’Qwell Jackson. Jackson signed with the Indianapolis Colts, who are expected to be busy this offseason on the defensive side as well. If the Browns can go out and get a veteran linebacker like Karlos Dansby to fill the void left by Jackson, their pass defense will continue to get better. Bringing on Darrelle Revis via trade to go with Joe Haden, already one of the best corners in the NFL, could make the Browns defense one of the top five.

As all the Cleveland Browns rumors continue to zero in on defensive players, it certainly confirms the wisdom of most analysts. The Browns will be looking to nail down a franchise quarterback at number four. The options on the table are very intriguing. Most agree that the safest pick may be Blake Bortles of UCF. But if Bortles goes number one to the Houston Texans, the game changes significantly for the Cleveland Browns. Teddy Bridgewater and Jonny Manziel are considered the next two options on the board, but both are risky as a number four overall pick.

With seven picks in the first four rounds of the draft, the Cleveland Browns are obviously focusing on improving their offense through the draft. How well they can do depends on their ability to bring in guys like Darrelle Revis and Donte Whitner.

It will be interesting to see how all the Cleveland Browns rumors pan out when free agency opens up.

[Image via Toledo Blade]