NFL trade deadline: How the Browns, GM Andrew Berry should proceed
· Yahoo Sports
For the first time in a long time, the Cleveland Browns appear to be trending in the right direction. With the team sitting at 5-2, it is likely that the Browns will be buyers at the November 10th trade deadline instead of sellers. As the team prepares for their AFC North clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8, Cleveland has a rare opportunity in front of them.
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If the Browns were to win at Pittsburgh on Sunday, the possibility of making the playoffs would turn into a reality, considering how wide open the AFC is. GM Andrew Berry should be looking to improve their roster at the trade deadline without giving up major draft capital.
Browns trade targets that don’t make sense- Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor
- Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley
- Las Vegas Raiders EDGE Maxx Crosby
- Jacksonville Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr
The Indianapolis Colts are having a fire sale. General manager Chris Ballard has already been fired and head coach Shane Steichen isn’t far behind. Jonathan Taylor doesn’t make much sense given the potential cost, and the Browns running game is starting to come together. The Philadelphia Eagles could be selling assets, but RB Saquon Barkley could be difficult to move because of his contract situation as well as age. It’s unlikely that the Raiders trade Maxx Crosby, but the Browns just traded away a superstar edge rusher in Myles Garrett and it wouldn’t make sense if they traded away Garrett just to trade for Crosby, who isn’t close to Garrett in terms of talent.
Browns trade targets that fit for the right price- Philadelphia Eagles OLB Nolan Smith
- Los Angeles Chargers EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu
You’ll notice I’ve listed only two players here, but both are edge rushers. The Los Angeles Chargers are a disaster, and from what I was told, the team is looking to trade players to recoup draft assets. Chargers edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu is playing on the last year of his contract and is slated to be a free agent this offseason. Acquiring Tuipulotu would boost the Browns’ edge rusher room but only for the right price. Cleveland doesn’t necessarily have to overpay to get him, but if they can, it has to be for the right price, maybe a combination of picks instead of one premium one.
As for the Eagles, it’s an interesting case. The team is injured across the board, and if they choose to punt the season to regain assets, linebacker Nolan Smith could be dealt. Philadelphia picked up Smith’s 5th-year option, but it’s not likely that the Eagles will keep him long-term. It’s the NFL; you can’t keep everyone, and price tags fluctuate. Smith is more of a run stopper, but he’s shown signs of brilliance in his pass rushing.
Browns trade targets that should be pursued ASAP- Los Angeles Chargers EDGE Khalil Mack
- Arizona Cardinals EDGE Josh Sweat
- Washington Commanders CB Amik Robertson
- Los Angeles Chargers TE Charlie Kolar
- Houston Texans TE Cade Stover
- New Orleans Saints TE Noah Fant
More names could’ve been included, but I chose to go with these specific ones. As mentioned earlier, the Chargers are selling assets and Khalil Mack is likely the first domino to fall. Despite his age, Mack is still playing at a high level. Mack is also playing on an expiring deal and general manager Andrew Berry has shown the ability to play players on expiring deals. As mentioned earlier, the edge room needs some more juice added to it, and Mack would help.
The Browns tight end room is thin in terms of depth, and it also lacks an in-line tight end. Staying with the Chargers, tight end Charlie Kolar has familiarity with Todd Monken’s offense and would be a reliable TE2 for the Browns to utilize. The Washington Commanders cornerback room is already thin, but if the Browns can acquire cornerback Amik Robertson, it would benefit them. Robertson has been stout for the Commanders, he can play inside and outside, and the Browns slot corner has been a weakness for some time.
Which of these Browns trade targets would you have the most interest in, assuming an appropriate trade price?
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