Browns' Isaiah Crowell: Teams inquiring about trade

At least three teams have expressed interest in Crowell, a restricted free agent, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports.

Analysis:

The Browns placed a second-round tender on Crowell, who probably isn't worth as much as a selection that high, in addition to the cost of an offer sheet. It is possible a team could offer the Browns a lower draft pick and/or player compensation in a trade, and then sign Crowell to a multi-year deal. The 24-year-old is coming off a 2016 campaign in which he posted career-best marks in carries (198), rushing yards (952), yards per carry (4.8), receptions (40) and receiving yards (319). He currently projects as the lead back in Cleveland, albeit with Duke Johnson also playing a major role. A trade likely would mean the Browns plan on using at least one high draft pick on a running back. Retaining Crowell wouldn't necessarily preclude them from doing the same.