NFL Trade Speculation: Ben Tate to Cleveland Browns a Possibility?

The Cleveland Browns could fill the void at running back by acquiring Ben Tate from the Houston Texans.

The Texans recently re-signed Arian Foster to a five-year contract.  For Tate, that leaves his hopes of finally owning the Texans backfield diminished significantly barring another injury to Foster.

Sure, he could stay in Houston and continue the timeshare with Foster.  However, in the Texans' divisional round playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Tate did not receive a single carry.  He took a step to the side and watched the Foster show against the tough Ravens defense.

How well does that sit with Tate after his excellent regular season?

How about what happens when it's contract time for Tate?  He is going to want to be paid a feature running back salary and play in an offense allowing him a bigger role.  Would the Houston Texans be willing to do pay him big money and promise increased playing time?

In that line of thinking, wouldn't it be more beneficial for the Texans to get something back in return before Tate hits free agency in 2014?

This brings us to the Cleveland Browns.

The Browns, as of now, are without a starting running back for the upcoming NFL season.  Whether or not Peyton Hillis will be re-signed remains to be seen.  Hillis is currently rumored to be heading to Kansas City to talk with the Chiefs.

Another positive for the Browns is that Tate's contract is very manageable.  He is due $490,000 in 2012 and $575,000 in 2013 according to Rotoworld.com.

As of now, the only known reporting on this trade is a comment from ESPN Cleveland.

"

"I have heard some rumblings recently that the Browns may explore a trade with Houston for backup running back Ben Tate. When asked about that possibility, a league source said, "I haven't heard anything along those lines but let's put it this way it wouldn't surprise me."

"

Let me clarify with you before you get your hopes up.  There is nothing in that blurb to suggest the Browns have already begun to discuss a trade with the Texans.  The idea that Tate would make a great fit in Cleveland is purely opinion and this report is speculation at this point.

If the Browns could gain Tate for their backfield in 2012 it would free up draft picks to address the wide variety of other holes on this football team.

For the Texans, keeping Tate for that price is a steal.  Realistically, the Browns would likely have to package multiple picks in order to make something like this happen.

Follow Mike on Twitter @BigHoagowski