Why Philadelphia Eagles' Linebacker Chris Gocong Might Be a Cleveland Brown Soon

The Cleveland Browns have a need at outside linebacker with the sudden trade of Kamerion Wimbley to the Oakland Raiders several weeks ago, and the Eagles' Chris Gocong is the perfect replacement in more ways than one.

Gocong was drafted by the Eagles in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft, but many wondered why the Eagles would pick a player who is a better fit for a 3-4 defense rather than the 4-3 defense that the Eagles run.

Despite those questions, Gocong has been productive in his four-year career recording 169 total tackles, four sacks, and one forced fumble. He has also made 35 career starts.

Even though Gocong has just signed his tender contract with the Eagles for one-year and $1.1 million, he is still rumored to be involved in trade talks between the Browns and Eagles according to ESPN, NBC Sports, and cleveland.com.

The following are reasons why Gocong could be traded and wear an orange helmet for the 2010 season.

Head Coach Eric Mangini Coveted Gocong Back in 2006.

When Mangini was with the Jets, he made it quite clear to the media at that time he really liked Gocong's potential in a 3-4 defense as a pass rushing linebacker.

Unfortunately, the Eagles picked Gocong in the third round at pick No. 71 just before Mangini and the Jets picked at No. 76.

Former Eagles General Manager Tom Heckert is Now the Browns' GM

Heckert was promoted to GM by the Eagles in January of 2006, and he picked Gocong in his first draft.

The ties between Heckert and Gocong may be strong enough for the Browns GM to pull the trigger on a trade to get his former player reunited with him in Cleveland.

Gocong is No Longer a Restricted Free Agent

Since Gocong signed his RFA tender on March 30, the Browns would no longer have to send the tendered pick to the Eagles in exchange for Gocong.

The Browns may be able to swing a deal where they can give up a lesser pick now (one of their fifth round picks possibly) for Gocong, which is a great value for a starting outside linebacker.

Also, since his contract is only for one-year and $1.1 million, he is relatively cheap to bring on board for a year to see if he can produce.

Gocong is a Better Option at Starting Outside Linebacker Than David Bowens

This is not a knock against Bowens, who really shined as the leader of the defense in 2009 when he had to move to inside linebacker due to injuries of other players, but Bowens does not have a quick first step as a pass rusher like he used to have.

Plus, Bowens may be better served as an inside linebacker in 2010 rather than a pass rusher.

In conclusion, Gocong may not the the superstar answer as a pass rusher that the Browns really need, but Wimbley wasn't that either, and Gocong is a safer and better addition for a fifth round pick than putting faith into a late round rookie who may not become more than a special teams player anyway.

This deal may never go down, but if all the reported trade talks are true, then don't be surprised if the Browns swing this deal to help their linebacking corps.