Paul Kruger Trade Rumors: Latest News, Speculation on Browns LB's Future

Signed in 2013 to rejuvenate the Cleveland Browns pass rush, Paul Kruger's tenure has been a mixed bag. Now it appears the Browns are considering moving on.

Continue for updates.

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Browns Willing to Help Pay Kruger's Salary

Tuesday, Nov. 3

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the Browns would be willing to eat some of Kruger's prorated $7 million salary in order to get a deal done.

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Kruger Comments on Future in Cleveland

Sunday, Nov. 1

Following the team's loss to the Arizona Cardinals, Kruger said there is "no doubt" he wants to remain with the Browns, adding he was able to "easily disregard" the rumors surrounding him, per Mary Kay Cabot of the Plain Dealer.

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Kruger Among Many Names Browns Considering Trading

Sunday, Nov. 1

ESPN's Adam Schefter noted Kruger was among the names that have "come up" in discussions prior to Tuesday's trade deadline. A report from Rapoport also pointed to left tackle Joe Thomas and center Alex Mack as potential movers, so a massive rebuild could be on the way in Cleveland.

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Kruger Struggling to Live Up to Contract

Kruger, 29, has managed just 15 tackles and 0.5 sacks through the first eight games. The pass-rushing specialist ranks 40th among 47 qualifying 3-4 linebackers in Pro Football Focus' overall grades, drawing particularly poor marks in run coverage.

While Kruger has never been considered elite in that category, his inconsistency getting to the quarterback has only made matters worse.

The 2009 second-round pick came to Cleveland following a breakout 2012 in Baltimore that saw him tally nine sacks. In his first season in Cleveland, Kruger struggled his way to 4.5 sacks. He had a big rebound with 11 last year, but his performance through the first half of 2015 suggests the Browns will never be able to rely on him consistently.

With Kruger due $13.5 million in base salary over the next two seasons, per Spotrac, the Browns are going to have a tough time moving on from him unless another team gets desperate.

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