The NFL trade deadline has come to a close, and the Cleveland Browns made just one move: they traded wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones to the Detroit Lions in exchange for a 2025 sixth round pick.
The writing was on the wall for the fourth-year receiver as he has just nine games left on his contract and the Browns made no effort to work on an extension with him this past offseason. By selecting Cedric Tillman in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft, the Browns signaled even further that Peoples-Jones was not in their long-term plans.
There is a ton to admire about Peoples-Jones, however, as he fought to get on the field right away as a sixth round pick in the 2020 NFL draft. He was on the receiving end of a couple of big-time catches, including a game-winner against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021. The Michigan product now gets to resume his playing career in his hometown.
He did not leave without saying goodbye to Cleveland, however, taking to his Instagram to express his gratitude for the city and the Browns:
“Cleveland, I want to thank the ownership and coaching staff for the amazing opportunity that I’ve had the past few years. I’m so grateful for each experience, lesson, and the time that I’ve been blessed with during my time in Cleveland. I’m thankful for the staff and everyone else in the building that I was able to interact with on a daily basis. My teammates I will love forever, and I cherish the brotherhood that I’ve been apart of for the last few years. Thank you also to the fans that have accepted me and have been nothing but supportive since the day I arrived in Cleveland. I wish the Browns, and Cleveland the absolute best with everything moving forward.”
Best of luck to Peoples-Jones in Detroit!
