If Pats know they will not resign him they got back a higher compensatory pick than they would've gotten had he walked in free agency. Browns pick will be the 1st comp pick at end of 3rd round where as Pats would be towards back of order.
Pats sent him somewhere where he will not come back to haunt them in postseason this year. He is a tremendous player but from a business standpoint they feel resigning Hightower, Butler, Sheard and Bennett to extensions brings a better overall value.
good point, the Browns 3rd round pick = the Pats typical 2nd round pick