Browns sign David Nelson,trade with Eagles

The Cleveland Browns made a trade yesterday with (Gasp) the Philadelphia Eagles a few days after signing a veteran wide receiver that could prove to be a helpful signing..

David Nelson ( No,not son of Ozzie or brother of Ricky) was signed to a one year contract to be the veteran pass catcher that the team has missed for years.
Nelson is the big (6'5) and physical receiver to play in the slot that the Browns have not had since the days of Joe Jurecvious and has the hands to be the check down pass catcher that Brandon Weeden did not have last season from the position.
The former Florida Gator was a starter for most of two seasons before suffering an knee injury in the season opener for Buffalo last year.
Nelson caught 61 passes and five TD's just two years ago and was a key factor in why Ryan Fitzpatrick was signed to a contract extension one season and released the next.
Nelson's size and strength should be a nice red zone threat and had he not been injured,I would wager that Nelson would not have been available to sign.
David Nelson might not come with the flashy reputation of some,but he might be the best fit for the Browns,assuming that his knee is ready to go....

Yesterday,the Browns made a trade with the Eagles that obtained  the likely replacement for Josh Cribbs in the Cleveland return game.

As surprising as it is to acquire another Eagle (sarcasm),the Browns did need to add someone before the season for kicks,punts or both and Dion Lewis should be able to do that as well as some third down duty out of the backfield.
The former Pittsburgh Panther usually returned kickoffs for Philadelphia and occasionally made a cameo as a running back and will fill a similar role in Cleveland.
The cost for Lewis was not prohibitive as the Browns sent linebacker Emmanuel Acho in return for Lewis.
You may remember that I thought Acho might be a steal for the Browns in round six last year,but injured a knee in training camp and spent the season on injured reserve.
Lewis fills a hole at a low cost,considering the unknown status of Acho and this keeps the Browns from having to spend a late round pick on a return man....

Still have more to catch up on,so look to be back tonight from the road office with Devils-Senators and another catchup post perhaps.