The NFL trade deadline is quickly approaching, and for once, the Cleveland Browns might actually be buyers at the deadline. The Browns are off to a hot start and could look to potentially make some upgrades for a playoff push.
The Browns have multiple areas on this team that they could upgrade via trade in a few weeks. Given the Los Angeles Chargers’ early struggles they could become sellers now. The Browns have been named a team that could acquire linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu.
“After an 0-6 start, the Chargers should be selling. Tuipulotu is a young, ascending and well-rounded edge rusher who is in the final year of his rookie contract. Tuipulotu took a big step as a player in 2025. He has sustained that performance this season. Since the start of 2025, Tuipulotu ranks 11th in pressure rate among players with at least 250 pass-rush attempts,” Daniel Popper wrote.
The Browns have been playing well defensively, but they can always use an upgrade. If this team is serious about contending then they need to make some moves to give this team the best chance to win long-term, and that could start with acquiring Tuipulotu.
The 24-year-old has been a consistent contributor in Los Angeles since being drafted by the team in the second round of the 2023 draft. He was a part-time player for the first two years of his career, but earned a full-time role after recording 8.5 sacks during the 2024 season. Tuipulotu topped that last season with 13.0 sack season, which earned him a trip to the Pro Bowl.
So far this season, Tuipulotu has recorded 26 tackles, 2.0 sacks, and two fumbles forced in six games. As mentioned earlier, he’s in the final year of his rookie deal, so the Chargers do have an incentive to trade him. It’s unclear if the Browns would bring him back long-term, but he could be a solid short-term addition to the roster.
The Browns desperately need help in the pass-rush department. The absence of Myles Garrett is being felt there, so this team must make an upgrade. Tuipulotu is nearly a top-10 player in pass rush right now, so this seems like a good fit for the Browns.
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