The Cleveland Browns sit at 4-2 on the season, but it has not been pretty over the last two games. You know what they say though, good teams find ways to win ugly, and the Browns have certainly done that over the last two weeks. Nearing the NFL trade deadline, however, could the team look to make a move or two to upgrade their roster? Names like defensive linemen Denico Autry and wide receiver Jerry Jeudy fit their systems like a glove and could be on the move.
While the Browns could also be looking to make moves to ship off players like wideout Donovan Peoples-Jones as they are expected to be both buyers and sellers, the emphasis must be on improving their roster, especially on the offensive side of the football.
Keeping it relatively realistic, here are five NFL trade deadline targets that fit what the Browns do on both sides of the ball.
DL Denico Autry
The Tennessee Titans have already shipped out one Pro Bowler for a Day 3 pick, sending safety Kevin Byard to the Philadelphia Eagles. Could this be the beginning of a fire sale in Nashville? If so, the Browns could have their eyes on a player who can win both inside and outside in defensive lineman Denico Autry.
The veteran is perpetually underrated and is off to another stellar season with the Titans this year as well. He is up to four sacks on the season and can win from both three-technique and five alignments. The Browns already have a formidable defensive front, but getting another guy along the interior who can wreak havoc may be the last infinity stone in defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz’s gauntlet.
Oh yeah, and Schwartz has familiarity with Autry as they spent all of last year together in Tennessee.
WR Jerry Jeudy
The Browns had interest in wide receiver Jerry Jeudy this offseason, but the price the Denver Broncos were asking was far too high. That price is likely now significantly lower, and the Browns may just retrace their steps here.
Donovan Peoples-Jones is considered a trade target, Amari Cooper sits with a massive cap number after this season, Elijah Moore has been brutally used as a gadget player, and David Bell has not been anything more than an emergency check candidate when he is on the field. The Browns need offensive weapons at the wide receiver position.
The hands are a real issue with Jeudy, but his ability to cut up defensive backs and separate is still among the top in the NFL. Jeudy gets open, and the Browns need a wide receiver who can beat man coverage.
In just his third season, Jeudy still has a year left on his rookie deal, and perhaps two if his fifth-year option were picked up after the season. For the cost that it would likely take to get him now, Jeudy’s talent is well worth the risk.
RB D'Ernest Johnson
Okay, this one is not on a bad team, but is a target nonetheless.
The running back room is down to two backs over the next week or two as Jerome Ford is now sidelined with an ankle sprain. Kareem Hunt is working through a thigh injury as well. If only there was a running back out there who has familiarity with head coach Kevin Stefanski and is sitting on the bench of another team.
Oh wait, there is! Bring home D’Ernest Johnson.
None of these running backs have been able to find lanes or cutbacks in wide zone schemes. While Johnson is not Nick Chubb (nobody is), he is capable of running with patience and finding gaps to press. The cost would be cheap, and the need is heavy.
He has rushed for over 100 yards twice before for the Browns, and could immediately be their best scheme fit on the roster if he returned.
QB Jacoby Brissett
There is so much uncertainty at the quarterback position for the Browns. And to make matters worse, P.J. Walker has exhausted his three gameday elevations from the practice squad, and Deshaun Watson is still not healthy.
This cannot continue.
The Browns have pushed all of their chips into the center of the table and cannot let their season be derailed by quarterback play. Go get a guy who helped lead a top-ten offense a year ago and someone who knows the playbook. The Washington Commanders appear content to ride Sam Howell the whole season (they’ll blow it all up this offseason anyway), so the Browns have the chance to go out and get Jacoby Brissett back in the building.
The defensive side of the ball is championship-caliber. With even average quarterback play, the Browns can make a run at a Super Bowl.
OT Kolton Miller
Kolton Miller would not only be a substantial upgrade at left tackle, but he is under contract for two more seasons beyond 2023 at a generous cap number. He is athletic to get wide in outside zone run schemes, strong in pass protection, and younger than all of the other offensive tackle trade targets you see floating around.
This also means Miller will be the most expensive option to go out and get as well. We can dream though, right?
