The Cleveland Browns lost to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, 27-10, essentially putting the final nail in the coffin of their 2024 season.
Sitting in last place in the AFC North, the outlook is bleak for any hopes of a playoff run, even with backup quarterback Jameis Winston under center.
With all that in mind, the NFL trade deadline is approaching, and while a few weeks ago it was thought the Browns might be buyers, it's now painfully clear that won't be the case.
Cleveland has a unique opportunity, however, to gain some much-needed draft capital if they work some things correctly in the coming hours before the deadline.
Several key players could be made available, including defensive end Myles Garrett, running back Nick Chubb and as Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated thinks, cornerback Greg Newsome II.
"This draft will be the first in which the Browns have a first-rounder since the 2022 trade for Deshaun Watson, so stocking up to move around in the draft might make sense," Breer wrote. "And the team has had some discussions on moving Za’Darius Smith and Greg Newsome."
Newsome has just one year remaining on his current deal, worth $13 million. If they play their cards right, the Browns can not only get rid of that figure from their books in 2025, they can gain a draft pick or two as well.
The more draft picks obtained the better, especially if the Browns decide to move on from Watson and the massive financial commitment that would entail. He's owed another $92 million in guaranteed funds and his cap hit next season is more than $72 million.
That means Cleveland needs to collect draft picks. Lots of them. That would provide low-cost roster talent that the team can utilize until Watson's final dollar leaves the books.Myles Garrett and Nick Chubb are also names that have been rumored to be potentially on the move out of Cleveland if the Browns become sellers. Even quarterback Jameis Winston could be a possibility if it comes to that for some quarterback-needy team. We'll know more at the end of the business day on Tuesday.
