Cleveland acquired defensive tackle Devaroe Lawrence from New…
Cleveland acquired defensive tackle Devaroe Lawrence from New Orleans for a 2019 seventh-round pick. Lawrence gave the Browns 12 regular-season appearances across 2018 and 2019, including two starts, eight tackles and a fumble recovery in 2019. The surrendered pick became No. 231 and New Orleans used it on Alize Mack, who never produced a regular-season appearance for the Saints. Cleveland realized the clearer return.
Cleveland Browns Received
- player Devaroe Lawrence
New Orleans Saints Received
- pick 2019 7th round pick (231st overall, Alize Mack )
Trade Analysis
What Cleveland Bought
The Browns paid a future seventh-round pick for Devaroe Lawrence just before the 2018 season. This was a low-cost depth move rather than a major roster bet, and Lawrence's first year in Cleveland was limited to one regular-season appearance. The useful part of the return came in 2019, when he played 11 games, made two starts, recorded eight tackles and recovered a fumble.
What New Orleans Received
The Saints accepted Cleveland's 2019 seventh-round selection and ultimately held pick No. 231. New Orleans used that choice on Notre Dame tight end Alize Mack. That preserved value after moving a defensive lineman who was not central to the roster, but the draft outcome did not become regular-season production for the Saints. Mack did not record a regular-season appearance for New Orleans.
Comparing the Outcomes
Neither side found a star, which keeps the grading modest. Cleveland nevertheless received actual defensive snaps over two seasons, including two starts, from a player acquired for a late seventh-round pick. New Orleans received a legitimate draft asset, but the selected player did not produce regular-season service for the club. That difference matters more than the low original cost.
Why the Browns Edge It
The Browns turned a late-round future pick into a usable rotational defender. Lawrence's contribution was limited, but it was measurable and immediate. The Saints' decision to take draft capital was reasonable roster management; the problem is that the resulting pick did not create on-field value in New Orleans.
Final Verdict
Cleveland Browns Win. Cleveland earns a B-minus because Lawrence supplied two seasons of depth at a minimal acquisition cost. New Orleans earns a D-plus because the seventh-round return was real, but the Mack selection produced no Saints regular-season value. The margin is modest, not franchise-changing.
Lawrence supplied Cleveland the only regular-season production.