Denver acquired defensive tackle Gerard Warren from Cleveland…
Denver acquired defensive tackle Gerard Warren from Cleveland in March 2005 for a fourth-round selection, later No. 126. Cleveland subsequently moved that choice before Philadelphia selected Todd Herremans, so Herremans was not a direct Browns return from this trade. Warren gave Denver an experienced interior defender for a mid-round price, while Cleveland's recovered pick did not remain with the club. Denver holds the clearer advantage.
Denver Broncos Received
- player Gerard Warren
Cleveland Browns Received
- pick 2005 fourth round pick (#126, subsequently traded)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Denver acquired Gerard Warren from Cleveland on March 3, 2005, sending a fourth-round pick in that year's draft to the Browns. The selection became No. 126. Cleveland later traded that pick, and Philadelphia ultimately selected Todd Herremans after the choice moved again. Herremans therefore belongs to the later history of the selection, not Cleveland's direct player haul from Denver.
Denver Broncos Return
Denver acquired defensive tackle Gerard Warren from Cleveland in March 2005 for a fourth-round selection, later No. 126. Cleveland subsequently moved that choice before Philadelphia selected Todd Herremans, so Herremans was not a direct Browns return from this trade. Warren gave Denver an experienced interior defender for a mid-round price, while Cleveland's recovered pick did not remain with the club. Denver holds the clearer advantage.
Cleveland Browns Return
Cleveland sent former first-round defensive tackle Gerard Warren to Denver and received the Broncos' 2005 fourth-round pick, No. 126. The Browns later traded that selection, which eventually reached Philadelphia before Todd Herremans was chosen. Cleveland at least recovered draft value from a player it was ready to move, but Denver obtained immediate veteran help and kept the acquisition cost outside the premium rounds.
Value in Hindsight
The exchange favors the side that received the immediate player because Denver obtained usable veteran value at a moderate cost. Cleveland's fourth-round asset had real worth, but the later movement of No. 126 makes it important not to credit the Browns with Herremans' career. The direct comparison is Warren against the value Cleveland extracted from a movable mid-round choice.
Final Verdict
Denver earns a B- and Cleveland a C. The Browns did recover an asset, so this was not a giveaway. Still, the Broncos bought immediate defensive-line help without surrendering premium capital, and that practical return exceeds what Cleveland directly realized from the original fourth-round selection.