TC4 Posted April 24, 2003 Share Posted April 24, 2003 Well that trade rumor is still bouncing about. 1st there is this from Pro Football Talk: COUCH TO 'BOYS RUMORS CONFIRMED A league source has confirmed for us that, indeed, the Cowboys are talking to the Browns about a possible deal, which would send quarterback Tim Couch to Dallas in exchange for the Cowboys' No. 5 overall pick. Couch was the No. 1 pick in 1999, the first selection of the reconstituted Browns. But he never has quite developed the potential that he showed as a collegiate star at Kentucky. In 2002, Couch faced an increasingly hostile home crowd and, late in the season, his status as the clear-cut starter was called into question by the strong performances of backup Kelly Holcomb. The rumor, which originated at SilverStarDigest.com, has the Cowboys sending Couch, running back Jamel White, and this year's third-round draft choice (No. 84 overall) to Dallas for the Cowboys' first-round pick (No. 5 overall), veteran linebacker Dexter Coakley, and either a fifth-round or sixth-round selection. The Dayton Daily News reports that the Brown likely would then trade the No. 5 pick to another team, in the hopes of stockpiling more picks and/or players. Here's our take -- this could all be a trial balloon by coach Bill Parcells, intended to gauge local reaction to bringing in a new quarterback. If the reaction is good, then Parcells could draft Byron Leftwich. So why not just float a rumor that the 'Boys will draft Leftwich? If that happens, a team like the Ravens or Jags would have an even greater incentive to work out a trade with the Bears, who pick at No. 4 and who have been talking with several teams about a trade down. Then we got this from the Dayton Daily News: http://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/content/sports/daily/0423browns.html Couch due in Dallas? QB-to-Cowboys trade rumors bubbling By Sean McClelland e-mail address: sean_mcclelland@coxohio.com Dayton Daily News If Cleveland Browns quarterback Tim Couch has any fans left, they may be forced to start rooting for the Dallas Cowboys. With Saturday's NFL Draft looming, a rumored trade of Couch to the Cowboys gained momentum Tuesday, sparking debate on radio call-in shows in Cleveland. Originating on a Web site devoted to Cowboys coverage, SilverStarDigest.com, the rumor has the Browns sending Couch, running back Jamel White and this year's third-round draft choice (No. 84 overall) to Dallas for the Cowboys' first-round pick (No. 5 overall), veteran linebacker Dexter Coakley and either a fifth- or sixth-round selection. There are streamlined versions. One that doesn't include Couch has the Browns simply dealing White to the Cowboys for a third-rounder. While most rumored deals leading up to draft day never amount to anything, this one makes sense for the Browns on a variety of levels, especially since it seems they are ready to commit to Kelly Holcomb as their starting quarterback. If Holcomb indeed is the chosen one, keeping Couch around as a backup would be a luxury. He would count $8 million against the salary cap this year. If they dump him, he would count $6 million this year, then nothing in future years. As for White, his desire for a change of scenery is understandable. As long as William Green is around, third-down back is about the best he can expect. Browns coach Butch Davis sounded in no hurry to part with White on Monday, saying, "We covet Jamel White. He is a terrific football player. He brings an added dimension to the football team in several different areas. He's proven his value." White recently signed a one-year tender offer for $1.3 million that keeps him shackled to the Browns. "We're in the process of dealing with his agent (on a long-term contract)," team president Carmen Policy said. "I'm not saying it could happen before the draft, but I'm telling you serious negotiations are ongoing." To teams seeking running backs, White's value is enhanced by the fact that this draft is weak in that area, with only one or two first-rounders projected. White entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent. Securing the fifth pick would give the Browns two first-rounders — their own pick is the 21st overall — and perhaps open the path to still another deal. Given their salary-cap plight, sources say the Browns would look to peddle the fifth pick for a slew of lower choices rather than select a premier player such as Kansas State cornerback Terence Newman, Arizona State defensive end Terrell Suggs or Utah offensive tackle Jordan Gross. Davis treasures draft picks. The Browns have seven at the moment, but he wants more. He and personnel maven Pete Garcia are working the phones furiously this week, sizing up the angles. The Coakley part of the equation stems from the Browns' need for linebackers. He's a two-time Pro Bowler and a six-year starter on the outside, but new Cowboys coach Bill Parcells prefers bigger players at that position. Coakley, known for his speed, is 5-foot-10, 236 pounds, and does not fit the Parcells prototype. Parcells supposedly is entertaining these talks with the Browns because he wants to win quickly and sees little likelihood of doing so with either Quincy Carter or Chad Hutchinson at quarterback. He reportedly sees Couch as a young Phil Simms and White as another Dave Meggett. Then again, the Cowboys could wait until June 1 and scoop up quarterback Brian Griese when the Broncos release him. If they retain the No. 5 overall pick, they are expected to draft Newman or Suggs. Losing Couch would put the Browns in the market for a backup quarterback lest they risk turning the job over to Josh Booty. Miami's Ken Dorsey, long a Davis favorite, could be there in the middle rounds. Veteran Elvis Grbac might be another option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dale Posted April 24, 2003 Share Posted April 24, 2003 There's an article in the Cleveland Plain-Dealer that says the rumor is bogus. It says the only trade talk between the Cowboys and Browns has been over Jamel White. Reportedly, if we trade down and obtain a 3rd round pick, we may send that pick to Cleveland for White. The Plain-Dealer also suggests Dallas will be pursuing a quarterback after June 1st, with Griese and Lucas the top candidates. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thito_da_skins_fan Posted April 24, 2003 Share Posted April 24, 2003 Originally posted by Dale The Plain-Dealer also suggests Dallas will be pursuing a quarterback after June 1st, with Griese and Lucas the top candidates. there's 2 winners :high: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zen-like Todd Posted April 24, 2003 Share Posted April 24, 2003 It's hard to see Coakley being traded, since Kevin Hardy already went elsewhere in free agency. And he's always struck me as a team chemistry kinda guy, although I could be wrong on that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimster Posted April 24, 2003 Share Posted April 24, 2003 I'm all for Lucas going there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TennesseeCarl Posted April 24, 2003 Share Posted April 24, 2003 If Dallas plays their cards right, Gus Ferotte could be had. So, after a season of Dallas fans justifying that stupid pick of Quincy Carter and watching Hutchinson flail about, might they admit there was a problem behind center? I'd doubt it. I'm not so sure that Couch scares me all that much either. If they get him, they get him. I believe I'd prefer that to their having Leftwich. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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