CLEVELAND (AP) – A person familiar with the deal says the Cleveland Browns are trading disappointing linebacker Barkevious Mingo to the New England Patriots.
The sides agreed to the deal on Thursday, the person told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade has not been finalized. ESPN.com first reported the deal.
The Browns selected Mingo with the No. 6 pick in 2013. The former LSU standout has recorded just seven sacks in three seasons and spent much of last season on special teams.
Mingo’s size – 6-foot-4, 240 pounds – and speed have made him intriguing, but none of Cleveland’s coaching staffs has found the best way to utilize him. The Browns moved the 25-year-old Mingo from outside linebacker to inside earlier this summer.
Cleveland declined to exercise the fifth-year option on Mingo’s rookie contract in May.