In 10 days, the NFL‘s 2023 trade deadline will be wrapped up. Aspiring contenders like the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs have already made moves to bolster their wide receiving corps.
Are the Cleveland Browns, currently in a logjam as one of three AFC North teams with three wins, next to make a significant move?
From the current NFL standings to team depth charts to coverage of every game in the 18-week NFL schedule, we have all the news from around the league to keep you up to speed!
NFL Insider Reveals if the Browns are Buyers, Sellers, or Both
Dianna Russini of The Athletic released what she was hearing around NFL circles Saturday ahead of the Week 7 games.
Among her notes: Where the Browns stand with the deadline looming. Cleveland is in both the buyers and sellers category, per Russini.
“The Cleveland Browns have been calling around as both buyers and sellers,” Russini revealed. “They’ve been scanning the market looking for some affordable options.”
What exactly are the Browns seeking, per Russini?
“I’m told they are looking to possibly add a receiver and an offensive lineman,” Russini said.
Who Could Appeal to the Browns? A Look at Possible Wide Receiver Options
With a league-low 991 yards through the air, it’s evident why Cleveland would be seeking wideout help.
So far, three wideouts have seen a change of address: Chase Claypool from the Chicago Bears to the Dolphins, Van Jefferson from the Los Angeles Rams to the Atlanta Falcons, and Mecole Hardman going from the New York Jets to KC. So, who could be next on the move?
MORE: Cleveland Browns Depth Chart
Hunter Renfrow of the Las Vegas Raiders continues to be a trending name ahead of the deadline. Russini confirmed that the Raiders are indeed continuing to shop the Pro Bowl WR. Renfrow still has a base salary of $6.5 million for 2023, and his next team would have to take on the remainder of his deal. The Browns have $35.6 million left in cap space.
Another name mentioned by Russini is Marquise “Hollywood” Brown of the Arizona Cardinals. While the team has received calls, Russini says that the team doesn’t plan to move him. She adds that the Cards have six picks in the first three rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft — pointing toward the Cardinals refusing to give up one of those picks in a proposed Brown deal. Brown has 29 receptions for 334 yards and three touchdowns this season.
Could the Browns Look Into a Cornerback?
While having the NFL’s worst passing attack, the Browns have surrendered an NFL-low 607 passing yards. They’ve surrendered four touchdowns through the air too, tying them for best in the league.
Yet, do the Browns still need help at cornerback?
The injury bug has still hit this unit. Currently, Greg Newsome is listed as questionable ahead of their contest against the Indianapolis Colts. Denzel Ward was also in concussion protocol a month ago but is healthy now. Martin Emerson has been a steady presence as the No. 3 CB option.
But after those three, there isn’t much production left, which could convince the Browns to make one more move, especially with Pro Bowlers DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Cooper Kupp, plus rising rookie Puka Nacua all left on the Browns’ schedule.
One name floating in the trade stratosphere is Donte Jackson of the Carolina Panthers, with ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler mentioning the team is actively shopping him.
Jackson, 27, has collected 14 career interceptions but hasn’t started in every regular-season game since his rookie year in 2018. Jackson could give the Browns a needed veteran boost as a fourth CB option and further solidify one of the league’s best units.
