Yes, it’s been a few weeks since the Rams traded the second overall pick in the draft to the Redskins for three first-round picks and a second-round pick. It’s also been a few weeks since Browns president Mike Holmgren publicly griped about the Rams’ decision to take less from the Redskins than the Browns had offered for the privilege of landing quarterback Robert Griffin III.
Far more recently, we caught wind of a rumor that explains Holmgren’s remarks far better than the previously-held belief that he was simply venting his anger and frustration.
The theory, as explained to PFT by a league source with knowledge of the dynamics of the trade for the second overall pick, is that Browns owner Randy Lerner told Holmgren to get Griffin. Thus, when Holmgren failed to get Griffin, Holmgren needed a persuasive explanation.
We’re not “reporting” that Lerner actually told Holmgren to get Griffin. We’re simply offering up the theory as an alternative to the notion that the Big Show simply decided to stomp on a big vat of sour grapes.
Countering the rumor is the reality that Lerner rarely if ever gets involved in the football side of his franchise. But if Lerner did step out of character and make his wishes known, that would help explain why Holmgren saw fit to share his belief that the Rams didn’t give the Browns a fair shot at making the trade up.