Eric Mangini's doghouse just got a little less crowded.
↵Jerome Harrison has been traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for RB Mike Bell. The trade isn't that surprising if you have followed the Browns, Harrison has gone from starter to afterthought this season. He may have been the key figure in last seasons 4-0 finish, but he never was able to fully convince the coaching staff and front office that he was able to be the lead back. The front office showed this when they traded up in the '10 draft to select RB Montario Hardesty. When you mix in the success that Peyton Hillis has had, the writing was on the wall for Harrison.
↵Harrison was to be a free agent after this season, he was a restricted free agent last off season and was retained through a second round tender.
↵So, what about Mike Bell?
↵Mike Bell is 27 years old, from the University of Arizona. He was undrafted and signed by the Denver Broncos. He played in Denver for two seasons, and played well (4.2 YPC). He then was signed by the New Orleans Saints in which he filled the power back role. In 2009, his role increased and he finished the season with 172 carries with a 3.8 YPC. The Saints didn't show much interest in bringing him back after the '09 season. This lead to Bell signing a one year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.
↵So, what does this all mean for the Cleveland Browns? To me it shows that Hillis is the clear cut number one RB on this team going forward. It also shows that maybe the front office doesn't have as much confidence in James Davis as we all seem to have. I expect Bell to be the number two back from here on out and will be a one year rental for the Browns. Next season the Browns will have Montario Hardesty coming back.
↵The Browns didn't like Harrison, so at least we got something for him. If Hillis goes down now, Mike Bell will have a big job ahead of him.
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