The Cleveland Browns have traded a 2017 seventh-round pick to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for Pro Bowl punter Andy Lee. The San Francisco overhaul continues to take shape as Mike Iupati, and Frank Gore left during free agency while Anthony Davis, Justin Smith, Patrick Willis, and Chris Borland have retired. The 9ers could be in trouble in upcoming season especially after the team decided to par ways with former head coach Jim Harbaugh. He will be coaching the Michigan Wolverines this upcoming season. Let’s also not forget Colin Kaepernick could be in for a dreadful season after losing Harbaugh. The value of his offensive coaching philosophies cannot be under stated.
Lee’s departure became inevitable after the Niners drafted Bradley Pinion in the fifth round of this year’s draft. Lee was the 15th best punter in the league in terms of net yards per kick with 39.6. The 11th year pro made 3 pro bowls during his tenure with San Francisco.
Browns punter Spencer Lanning, who finished 17th in the league in the same category will now be released by Cleveland in a corresponding move. Lanning was also third in the league in attempted punts last year with 93 in large part to a poor Browns offense. In short Lee should see plenty of work in Cleveland. After all even defensive minded head coach Mike Pettine wants to dip his hand more into the offense. With Brian Hoyer in Houston, Josh McCown now likely becomes the starting quarterback for Cleveland.
