Cleveland acquired cornerback Sheldon Brown and linebacker…
Cleveland acquired cornerback Sheldon Brown and linebacker Chris Gocong from Philadelphia for Alex Hall and two draft choices. Brown immediately became a three-year starter, making 46 starts for the Browns, while Gocong started all 32 games he played for Cleveland in 2010 and 2011. That volume of defensive snaps gave the Browns the strongest direct return and makes them the clear winner in hindsight.
Cleveland Browns Received
- player Sheldon Brown
- player Chris Gocong
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- player Alex Hall
- pick 2010 fourth-round pick (No. 105, Trevard Lindley )
- pick 2010 fifth-round pick (No. 137; later used in the Ernie Sims trade)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On April 2, 2010, Philadelphia sent cornerback Sheldon Brown and linebacker Chris Gocong to Cleveland. The Eagles received linebacker Alex Hall, pick No. 105 and pick No. 137. Philadelphia later used No. 105 on cornerback Trevard Lindley and included No. 137 in the three-team transaction that brought linebacker Ernie Sims from Detroit.
Cleveland Browns Return
The Browns received exactly the kind of veteran stability this package suggested. Brown started 46 games over three seasons in Cleveland and intercepted seven passes. Gocong started all 32 games he played for the Browns in 2010 and 2011, recording 5.5 sacks over those two seasons. Neither was a long-term franchise pillar, but together they supplied five seasons' worth of starting-lineup service almost immediately.
Philadelphia Eagles Return
Hall made little impact for the Eagles. Lindley appeared in 11 games as a rookie and never developed into a comparable starter. The more meaningful piece was No. 137, which Philadelphia redirected in the Ernie Sims deal. Sims started 15 games in 2010, so the Eagles did receive a season of starting linebacker play from the trade tree rather than an empty return.
Value in Hindsight
Philadelphia was moving veterans and creating younger, cheaper options, a reasonable roster strategy. Hindsight still favors Cleveland because Brown and Gocong both became dependable starters while Philadelphia's direct pieces were modest and Sims lasted only one season.
Final Verdict
Cleveland earns a B+ for acquiring two immediate defensive starters at a manageable price. Philadelphia receives a C+ because the return produced one useful Sims season but little lasting value elsewhere. The Browns win on sustained team-specific production.