Chapter #7 Trades and reducing Salary Cap

With our center position uncertain behind injured starter MeCole Hardman, I called Vikings GM Rick Spielman. Backup Matt Birk had shown promise in limited action over two seasons.

"Rick, I'm interested in Birk. What would you say to swapping our veteran backup Doug Pederson straight up?" I proposed. Birk had potential as a future starter.

Rick considered it thoughtfully. "Doug has experience, but Birk has more years ahead of him. I'd want additional compensation since he'll start for you."

I countered gently, wanting to negotiate in good faith. "Doug can still produce. How about a future 5th rounder along with him for Birk?"

After mulling it over, Rick replied, "Make it a 4th rounder and you have a deal. Birk will benefit from a bigger role in Cleveland."

Adding a young starter at a discount strengthened our pivot spot. Rick was taking a chance on Pederson filling in if needed. Our teams both aimed to benefit long-term.

Scanning for upgrades, rookie tackle Chad Clifton stood out in Green Bay. Though raw, his potential intrigued me. I called GM Ted Thompson to inquire.

"Ted, any interest in punter Chris Hanson? He's talented but our specialists are set," I opened, underselling slightly to create leverage.

Ted took time replying. "Hanson is good, but we're thrilled with Clifton's raw tools as he develops. It would require more to part with our future at tackle."

I countered understandingly. "Chris is Pro Bowl caliber. Accept and you gain the NFL's top punter tandem while we replace Clifton's projection."

Ted sighed. "As an unproven rookie, Clifton remains too valuable alone for just a mid-round pick down the line."

I paused, considering our options carefully before proposing, "How about Chris and all our 7th round selections next year(2)?"

After deliberation, Ted slowly answered, "You make a compelling case. Alright, the deal is done - Hanson and your future 7ths gets us Clifton to mold into the frontline blocker we envision."

Both trades aimed to acquire talented young pieces to anchor key positions for years ahead. Shrewd negotiation had transformed Cleveland's outlook tremendously.

With our depth upgraded at center via the Birk trade, one spot remained unfilled as backup. Scanning the free agent pool, one name popped that intrigued me - undrafted rookie Shaun O'Hara.

Though overlooked coming out of college, his tape showed a tireless work ethic and football IQ that could develop into something special. I brought him in for a visit.

"Shaun, I see starter potential in your game. Come to Cleveland and I guarantee you'll compete to back up Birk initially," I pitched enthusiastically.

He listened intently, replying thoughtfuly. "I appreciate the opportunity Mr. Clark. I'm hungry to prove myself at this level."

NFL success was uncharted territory, but I sensed O'Hara possessed the drive to ascend if given a chance. We agreed to a two-year minimum deal with incentives for playing time.

His practice tenacity turned heads immediately. By season's end, O'Hara had grasped our blocking schemes entirely. Though buried on the depth chart for now, his future appeared bright if continuing to develop under Marty's coaching staff.

Securing another young piece with upside completed our depth chart overhaul. Our roster was loaded with potential breakout talent acquired astutely both via the draft and keen player evaluation. A championship foundation had been laid in Cleveland at long last.

While pleased with upgrades along the offensive line, salary cap constraints remained tight with a rising payroll. Veteran center David Vincent Wohlabaugh carried a large $4 million salary as our top backup.

I called Rams GM Charlie Armey to inquire about his interest. "Charlie, any chance David's contract fits your needs as an experienced backup?"

He pondered for a moment. "Center is an area of concern with backups inexperienced. What would it take to acquire him?"

I proposed swapping our backup center for a mid-round selection. "How about a future 3rd rounder straight up?" Offloading the salary would create flexibility.

Charlie recognized the value in adding a proven reserve at a low cost. "You've got a deal Dwight. Vincent will stabilize our depth behind Woerman."

While losing a respected veteran in the locker room, the financial benefits far outweighed the loss. Clearing $4 million put us in ideal position to sign our own at reasonable rates long-term.

The trade exemplified the shrewd strategy of acquiring young talent at discounted prices while shedding salaries no longer conducive. Our franchise was being engineered for years of contention ahead through prudent roster management at every turn.