Carolina acquired veteran punter Andy Lee and a 2017…
Carolina acquired veteran punter Andy Lee and a 2017 seventh-round pick for Kasey Redfern and a 2018 fourth. Lee punted well but lasted only nine games before a hamstring injury ended his season, and Carolina released him the next year. The seventh became Harrison Butker, whom the Panthers waived before his NFL success elsewhere, leaving only a short-lived return.
Carolina Panthers Received
- player Andy Lee
- pick 2017 7th round pick (233rd overall, Harrison Butker)
Cleveland Browns Received
- player Kasey Redfern
- pick 2018 4th round pick (123rd overall subsequently traded, Durham Smythe )
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
On August 29, 2016, Cleveland sent punter Andy Lee and a 2017 seventh-round pick to Carolina for punter Kasey Redfern and a 2018 fourth-round pick. The Panthers were trying to upgrade a specialist position immediately after a Super Bowl season. The seventh-rounder eventually became pick No. 233, which Carolina used on kicker Harrison Butker.
Why Carolina's Upside Disappeared
Lee was a proven high-level punter, but the Panthers received only a partial season from him. A hamstring injury sent him to injured reserve after nine games, and Carolina released him before the 2017 season. The more famous downstream name is Butker, but the Panthers waived the rookie before the regular season and therefore received none of his eventual Kansas City success. The asset was valuable in theory but not in Carolina's realized return.
How Cleveland's Return Aged
The Browns acquired a future fourth-rounder, which was meaningful compensation for a veteran punter, plus Redfern. Redfern did not establish himself as Cleveland's long-term specialist, and the 2018 fourth was later moved. Cleveland therefore won the capital side of the transaction without turning it into a clearly superior on-field outcome tied directly to the deal.
Final Verdict
Carolina paid a meaningful future pick for a short stint from Lee and then failed to retain the most valuable player associated with the seventh-rounder. Cleveland gained better draft leverage but did not produce a major direct football return either. With both sides leaving value unrealized, C grades and an Even Trade verdict fit the history best.