One trade, cut, signing Cleveland Browns should make
The Browns proved to have one of the most complete rosters in the league after making the playoffs with four different starting quarterbacks in 2023. As long as QB Deshaun Watson takes another stride next season, the team should contend for the Super Bowl once again.
With that in mind, here are a trade, cut and signing that Cleveland should make in the coming months.
TRADE: Move back in the 2024 NFL Draft to gain more draft capital
The Browns won’t have their first- or fourth-round picks in this year’s draft due to the Watson trade with the Houston Texans in 2022. And to make matters worse, they are $19.5M over the salary cap with 24 upcoming free agents heading into 2024.
Sometimes quantity is better than quality, and in Cleveland’s case, it should focus on filling its holes with an already talented roster.
Of course, if there is a player that the team is in love with when it makes its first selection at pick No. 54 in the second round, it should take them. But if not, trading down to acquire more draft picks would make a lot of sense.
CUT: Wide receiver Elijah Moore
Last offseason, the Browns traded a second-round pick to the New York Jets for Moore. But he rewarded them with just 59 catches for 640 yards and two touchdowns. The 23-year-old failed to meet expectations once again and now the team could consider parting ways with him.
If Cleveland were to release Moore, it would save nearly $2M, according to Spotrac. That’s not a ton of money but it would help the Browns dig their way out of the financial hole they’re in while also allowing former third-round wide receivers Cedric Tillman and David Bell to prove their worthiness on the team.
SIGNING: Tier two free-agent wide receiver
Outside of Amari Cooper (1,250 yards), Cleveland didn’t have a wide receiver eclipse 650 yards receiving in 2023. In fact, its second-leading receiver behind Cooper was tight end David Njoku (882 yards). That’s why the team should do its best to find a more reliable No. 2 wide receiver to complement Cooper.
It likely won’t come in the form of one of the top wide receivers available in free agency, such as Tee Higgins, Michael Pittman Jr. or Mike Evans due to the Browns’ lack of funds. But they could instead target Marquise Brown or Calvin Ridley, who could come at a much cheaper price.
Both players have proven to be 1,000-yard receivers and would give Watson no more excuses in 2024 if paired with Cooper and Njoku.
