Mixed into a torrent of roster cuts Friday, we saw a low-level trade go down between the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns.
Philadelphia -- on a day it used to reshape the defensive backfield -- acquired safety David Sims from Cleveland in exchange for a conditional draft pick. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman told the team's official website that Sims gives his defense "a jolt" at safety. Philadelphia turned heads earlier in the day when it released cornerback Joselio Hanson and safety Oshiomogho Atogwe.
Cut tracker
Former New England Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch was just one of Friday's many releases. Who else was cut? **More ...**
Sims was a productive member of Cleveland's defense this preseason and tied for an NFL-leading two interceptions, with a third wiped out by penalty. Sims returned one pick for a 38-yard touchdown and brought a fair amount of electricity to an otherwise sleepy defense.
"He's athletic, a solid tackler, and can play on special teams," Roseman said. "He's a guy that we've been following throughout the course of this preseason. We played the Browns in the preseason, and we have scouted him a lot as we get ready to play their game. We were happy to acquire him today."
Sims was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted rookie out of Iowa State last November. He didn't stick in Tampa, but in Cleveland, he was pushing Usama Young for the third safety job.
"He's challenging, he's physical and he's really made a huge amount of progress in the time we've been together," Browns coach Pat Shurmur told ESPN Cleveland earlier this month.
Seems like the Browns could use more of these players, not less.
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.
