Based on their surprising start to the season, the Cleveland Browns could be in the unexpected position of buyers at the NFL trade deadline. If the Browns think they might be able to make the playoffs with an addition or two, they could be compelled to make a move.
Heading into the campaign, it was thought that the Browns would be sellers, with Denzel Ward a potentially valuable trade piece. But the cornerback was given a contract extension at the start of training camp, and he has been playing at an All-Pro level for their improving defense.
Cleveland is still expected to have a trade target in wide receiver Jerry Jeudy. With the emergence of rookies KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston, the veteran could be worth more on the market than as an afterthought in the Browns’ passing game.
If they do intend to add rather than subtract, defensive lineman Daron Payne of the Washington Commanders and running back Kenneth Gainwell of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are two players the Browns should look to acquire at the trade deadline, which comes after the games of Week 9.
These potential acquisitions are based on Cleveland’s current injury situation. The Browns have lost defensive tackle Mason Graham for multiple weeks with a leg injury, and Mike Hall Jr. and Kalia Davis are out for their Week 5 game against the New York Jets.
If these absences linger, or the need for insurance persists, Payne could be a useful player. He can become a free agent after the season, but he would provide veteran depth on a defense that does not have much of that in the front seven.
On offense, Cleveland running back Dylan Sampson was injured in the first quarter of the first game while returning a kickoff. He was expected to fill the pass-catching role out of the backfield as a complement to Quinshon Judkins, and the Browns have been using Raheim Sanders and recently acquired Jaleel McLaughlin in that role.
Gainwell previously excelled at that job with the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers. With the Buccaneers unlikely to climb back into playoff contention after an 0-4 start, they may be willing to trade him with one season left on his two-year contract.
These could be low-cost moves to fill two needs on the Browns roster, and it will be interesting to see if they pursue them or other players in the coming weeks.
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