Philadelphia Eagles Trade Running Back Dion Lewis to Cleveland Browns
April 11, 2013
The overhaul of the Philadelphia Eagles' roster continues, as the team has reportedly traded running back Dion Lewis to the Cleveland Browns.
From Adam Schefter of ESPN:
Adam Schefter @AdamSchefterChip Kelly keeps remaking roster: Eagles traded RB Dion Lewis to Browns for LB Emmanuel Acho.
2013-4-11 14:58:39
UPDATE: Thursday, April 11 at 12:39 p.m. ET by Tom Kinslow
The Eagles have confirmed the move on the team's official Twitter account.
---End of update---
In 2012, Lewis rushed just 13 times for 69 yards and a touchdown as Bryce Brown emerged as the backup running back behind LeSean McCoy. Acho spent 2012 on injured reserve for the Browns.
According to Zach Berman and Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Lewis has been on the trade block since last week and even fell behind undrafted running back Chris Polk on the team's depth chart.
With McCoy remaining one of the NFL's most dangerous weapons and Brown breaking out after filling in as a starter last season, it would have been close to impossible for Lewis to see much time in 2013.
Chip Kelly has been busy remaking the Eagles' roster this season. Veterans such as Nnamdi Asomugha, Cullen Jenkins and Mike Patterson were all released, while Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie wasn't re-signed.
Philadelphia Eagles @Eagles#Eagles acquire LB Emmanuel Acho from the #Browns for RB Dion Lewis.
2013-4-11 15:15:31
Meanwhile, outside linebacker Connor Barwin, tight end James Casey, cornerbacks Bradley Fletcher and Cary Williams, linebacker Jason Phillips, nose tackle Isaac Sopoaga and safeties Kenny Phillips and Patrick Chung were all signed by the team in free agency.
The addition of Lewis should give the Browns a bit of lightning to pair with the thunder of Trent Richardson. Lewis will have plenty of competition to earn playing time, however, as Chris Ogbonnaya and Montario Hardesty are also under contract in the team's backfield.