The DJ Moore trade to Buffalo just sent shockwaves through the league, and while Browns fans are itching for a countermove, the smartest play is the one Andrew Berry is already telegraphing: stay away from the veteran market.
The math simply doesn’t add up. Alec Pierce (Colts) is the top name entering free agency, but with projections soaring past $20-million annually, that’s “WR1 money” for a guy who has never caught 50 passes in a season. Then you have Rashid Shaheed—electric, sure—but at over $14-million per year, he’s a redundant luxury for a room that already features Jerry Jeudy and Isaiah Bond. Even a “value” complementary-play like Romeo Doubs is looking at a $12 million price tag despite never proving he can carry an offense.
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What about pulling off a trade? Berry has shown he’s not afraid to swing for high profile names in the past like Amari Cooper and Jeudy. However, giving up premium draft capital and issuing a massive extension for a veteran like Brandon Aiyuk (who has already snubbed Cleveland once) or a high-maintenance star like A.J. Brown is exactly how you ruin a rebuild.
The real move? Carnell Tate at No. 6.
The Ohio State product is a polished, pro-ready route runner who gives you the "X" receiver traits this offense lacks. By drafting Tate, the Browns secure a potential superstar on a fixed rookie contract, providing four years (with the option for a fifth) of elite production at a fraction of the cost.
Berry must always be conscious of the Deshaun Watson dead cap guillotine hanging over head. Grabbing Tate, and avoiding expensive potential wideout headaches is the only logical option heading into the 2026 season.
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