The Cleveland Browns face a glaring weakness at wide receiver that could derail their offensive aspirations.
Jerry Jeudy stands as their lone proven threat after his 1,200-yard breakout campaign. Beyond him, the depth chart reads like a collection of question marks and untested potential.
This void has sparked discussion about potential solutions.
Analyst Matt Fontana recently floated an intriguing trade proposal that would address the issue head-on.
“I’d give the Browns 2nd rounder for Terry McLaurin in a heart beat. You have the 2 1’s, you have the cap room to sign him to an extension beyond 2026. You have zero WR outside of Jeudy,” Fontana wrote on X.
I'd give the #Browns 2nd rounder for Terry McLaurin in a heart beat
You have the 2 1's, you have the cap room to sign him to an extension beyond 2026
You have zero WR outside of Jeudy
— Matt Fontana (@MattFontana83) July 31, 2025
Fans had many reactions to this trade proposal.
“A 2nd rounder for a 30yo WR. We got Amari for a 6th,” one fan said.
“It’s really not about the trade capital. He wants $10-13 million more ($30-33mil/year) than the Browns have available ($19mil). If they restructure to remove any available cap this year before the season starts (bad FO), they would handicap themselves for next year,” another fan commented.
“He’s about to be 30. We have no QB,” another fan said.
“Honestly yeah, I’d do this instantly. He’s shown no sign of slowing down so lock him in now. If they really want Arch, there’s a strong possibility he stays at Texas. The rebuild will be beyond 2025. Add as many assets as you can now,” one fan added.
McLaurin presents an attractive target for Cleveland’s front office.
The two-time Pro Bowler has formally requested a trade from the Washington Commanders after contract negotiations stalled. He staged a hold-in during training camp as leverage in his pursuit of a new deal.
The receiver is entering the final year of his three-year, $68.4 million contract. Reports suggest he seeks approximately $30 million per season on his next deal.
His recent production justifies those demands. McLaurin recorded 1,096 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns last season while helping Washington reach the NFC Championship Game.
Cleveland’s current receiving room tells a different story. Diontae Johnson has shown flashes but lacks consistency.
The supporting cast includes unproven players like Cedric Tillman, Jamari Thrash, and DeAndre Carter.
Roster hopefuls Luke Floriea, Gage Larvadain, Chase Cota, Kaden Davis, Winston Wright, and Kisean Johnson remain developmental pieces.
General manager Andrew Berry holds multiple draft picks and sufficient cap space to make a move.
Whether he pulls the trigger on McLaurin or another target could determine if Cleveland’s offense takes a significant step forward this season.
NEXT: Browns Make Quiet Addition At Key Position
