Saturday 11 March 2017 17:52, UK
Quarterback Brock Osweiler has been traded from the Houston Texans to the Cleveland Browns in an unusual move which was one of the highlights of the first day of free agency.
The deal allowed Houston to take Osweiler's $16m guaranteed salary off their books while the Browns received a second-round pick in the 2018 draft.
However, ESPN reports the Browns are not actually planning to install Osweiler as their quarterback and he is expected to be traded or released before the 2017 season kicks off.
Meanwhile, the money they have saved could allow Houston to up their efforts to sign veteran quarterback Tony Romo, who is poised to leave the Cowboys.
Osweiler joined the Texans ahead of last season but was not a huge success, although Houston did reach the play-offs and win a Wild Card game before losing to eventual champions New England.
Texans general manager Rick Smith said: "We are committed to bringing a championship to the city of Houston.
"The decision to trade Brock was made because it was in the best interest of the team. It frees up both cash and salary cap room to continue to improve our football team.
"We appreciate Brock's effort and leadership while he was with us and we wish him and his family well."
Browns executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown said: "We're really excited to acquire a second-round draft choice in this trade.
"Draft picks are extremely important to our approach in building a championship-calibre football team."
What the Browns are planning to do at the quarterback position is unclear although NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reports that they may try to acquire Patriots back-up Jimmy Garoppolo.
