The Cleveland Browns enter NFL games today firmly in the mix to represent the AFC in the playoffs. However, the Browns’ front office clearly sees a lot of room for improvement with the 2023 NFL trade deadline closing in.
Despite missing Deshaun Watson and Nick Chubb for a majority of the season, Cleveland has an impressive 3-2 record and is coming off a stunning win over the San Francisco 49ers. While it’s an improvement over last season, the victories have been almost entirely the result of an elite defense carrying this team.
- Cleveland Browns passing stats: 172.8 passing yards per game (30th in NFL), 5.8 yards per pass attempt (30th), 66.3 QB rating (32nd)
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The Browns have invested plenty of money and draft assets into their offense, but it’s been a disappointment this season. With some intriguing NFL trade candidates available this October, the Browns’ front office is eyeing pieces who could help this unit improve.
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Browns have been making calls ahead of the NFL trade deadline as both buyers and sellers. While there aren’t specifics on which players Cleveland might ell, it is reportedly looking into adding a wide receiver and offensive lineman.
There are a few wide receivers available right now. Denver Broncos wideout Jerry Jeudy, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. and Las Vegas Raiders slot weapon Hunter Renfrow are all currently on the trade block. While Cleveland hasn’t been linked to Marshall or Renfrow publicly, they have been tied to Jeudy.
Amari Cooper remains the No. 1 receiver in the Browns’ offense and Elijah Moore has been a go-to target for Watson on short throws. However, Moore is averaging just 8 yards per catch and with defenses focusing so much attention on Cooper, Cleveland would benefit from finding a complementary wideout.
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The trenches are also a spot where Cleveland has room to improve. Jedrick Willis Jr, the 10th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, has allowed 21 pressures this season and drawn four penalties. At right tackle, rookie Dawand Jones is proving he’s not quite ready to be relied on by a playoff contender.
There will be a few options around the league at both positions, but a deal with Denver is something to keep an eye on. Both teams discussed a Jeudy trade this offseason and if talks are revisited, Cleveland could also inquire about left tackle Garett Bolles.