Browns trading linebacker Barkevious Mingo to Patriots

He was entering the final season of his rookie contract this fall after the Browns declined to pick up his fifth-year option in May.

The Cleveland Browns have made a decision to part ways with Barkevious Mingo. He will help provide some juice to a Patriots’ pass rush that is lacking. ESPN.com first reported the deal.

Mingo was drafted by the Browns when Mike Lombardi was general manager. Lombardi was let go after one season in Cleveland and was an assistant to the Patriots coaching staff Patriots in 2014 and 2015.

There’s also an opportunity for him on the outside, with two of the Patriots’ pass rushers that were projected to have key roles this season – Rob Ninkovich and Jabaal Sheard – working their way back from recent injuries. Ninkovich is rehabilitating from a torn triceps muscle that could sideline him into the regular season.

They’re now banged up at pass rusher with Sheard, Ninkovich and McClellin missing practice due to injuries.

According to Ian Rapoport, the Lions’ attempt to trade with the Browns may have caused the Patriots to increase their offer to a fifth-round pick. Earlier this offseason, the Patriots acquired offensive lineman Jonathan Cooper from the Arizona Cardinals in the trade that sent Chandler Jones to Arizona. Mingo was traded; running back Trent Richardson is out of the National Football League; quarterback Brandon Weeden is a backup with Houston; and defensive tackle Phil Taylor is with the Broncos. Gilbert was drafted in the first round with QB Johnny Manziel in 2014.

The Browns now own Philadelphia’s 2017 first-round pick, Tennessee’s 2017 second-round pick, New England’s 2017 fifth-round pick, Indianapolis’ 2017 seventh-round pick and Philadelphia’s 2018 second-round pick. Of course, Sheard had been more productive as a Browns second-round pick even before departing in free agency, so Mingo isn’t a mortal lock to turn it all around.