We’re exactly five days away from the NFL trade deadline, and despite having big contracts littered throughout the roster and no first-round pick in next year’s draft, the Cleveland Browns have the ammunition necessary to be big players. Cleveland has $34 million available in cap space, although much of that will be needed next season so the Browns can afford Deshaun Watson and the heavy investments general manager Andrew Berry has made at offensive line and on defense.
Still, the Browns should be able to swing a deal for one of the top players on the market, if they choose. With looming uncertainty about Watson’s shoulder injury and ability to stay consistent when he is healthy, the Browns should seriously consider roster upgrades to ensure they don’t lose their grip on a playoff run. Here are some players they could target as the deadline approaches on Halloween:
DL DENICO AUTRY
Autry is having an excellent season with four sacks, and the Titans could be looking to unload more of their top defensive players after trading S Kevin Byard to the Eagles. The Browns have built a beast of a defense already, but that shouldn’t sway them away from pursuing more upgrades, which Autry would certainly provide.
WR JERRY JEUDY
The Browns believed they were entering the season with a deep receiver group, but Amari Cooper has been the only pass catcher with consistent production so far. Elijah Moore and Donovan Peoples-Jones have yet to score touchdowns, and rookie third-rounder Cedric Tillman has caught just one pass all year.
RB D’ERNEST JOHNSON
If the Browns are looking for a cheaper but still effective lift to their run game, Johnson could provide it. He hasn’t been asked to do much with the Jaguars this season after signing with them in free agency, but that’s because they’ve been giving Travis Etienne Jr. and rookie Tank Bigsby the bulk of the work.
QB JACOBY BRISSETT
This has been perhaps the most discussed trade possibility for the Browns since Watson exited Sunday’s win over the Colts after he aggravated his shoulder injury, and it’s an idea Cleveland should consider.
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