Cleveland Browns
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Trade pitch has Browns acquiring AJ Brown.
The Cleveland Browns could be a team to watch at the NFL Draft, with the team having two first-round picks.
Cleveland could look to trade up or trade a pick for an impactful NFL player. Ahead of the NFL Draft, NFL analyst Mark Morales-Smith of Sports Illustrated proposed a deal that sees the Browns acquire AJ Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles in a blockbuster deal.
Browns acquire:
Eagles acquire:
24th overall pick
The proposed deal would be a blockbuster as Cleveland would acquire a true No. 1 receiver in Brown, while the Eagles would get off his contract and acquire another first-round pick.
Cleveland would add Brown to be a bona fide No. 1 receiver and help whoever is at quarterback. Brown is in the midst of a three-year, $96 million deal with the Eagles, but Philadelphia is looking to get out of the deal. Brown recorded 78 receptions for 1,003 yards and 7 touchdowns, marking his fourth straight season over 1,000 receiving yards.
In return, the Browns would give up their second first-round pick, which they acquired from the Jacksonville Jaguars in the trade down from last year’s NFL Draft. The Eagles could select a receiver with the 24th overall pick to replace Brown, while Cleveland was heavily linked to drafting a receiver at 24th overall anyway.
Analyst Explains Browns-Eagles Trade
Cleveland has a need for a true No. 1 receiver, and Brown would be that for the Browns.
The Browns having two first-round picks allows them to move one for a true star receiver in Brown, instead of taking a rookie at 24, hoping he pans out. Morales-Smith, meanwhile, believes it’s something the Browns need to do, especially if Shedeur Sanders is the starting quarterback, to give him a true No. 1 receiver.
“Cleveland has been trying to establish a legitimate passing attack since they returned to the league all the way back in 1999,” Morales-Smith wrote. “Adding a stud receiver could be a huge step in the right direction. They’ve tried similar moves with players like Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry, which didn’t really pan out, but they have to try something.
“Outside of the passing attack, they have put together great defenses and impressive rushing attacks with nothing to show for it. As futile as it seems for this team, they have to keep trying until they get it right.”
Brown would join a Browns receiver room that features the likes of Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, Isaiah Bond, and Malachi Corley, among others.
Andrew Berry Likes WR Room
The Browns have been looking for a true No. 1 receiver for quite some time, but general manager Andrew Berry said he likes the room.
Berry believes the talent is there for a good offense and thinks there are receivers who can continue to grow.
“I think we can add all across the offense to be honest,” Berry said. “We’re really pleased with some of the younger players we have. Jerry is gonna be a big part of it. And we’re pleased with Isaiah’s (Bond) rookie year. But that doesn’t mean we can’t add to the arsenal. Malachi (Corley), he carved out a nice role.”
The Browns also have Harold Fannin Jr. at tight end, who is a focal point in the passing game.