The Cleveland Browns have a bit more on the line against the New Orleans Saints than just a win or a loss on Sunday. The outcome could set their course for the NFL trade deadline, which will arrive two days later.
Before the season, the Browns were thought to be legitimate sellers as they looked to take one more step in their rebuilding process. However, now that they are legitimate playoff contenders, they could look to be buyers instead.
ESPN insider Bill Barnwell is taking a surprising stance on the Browns’ trade deadline, putting them among the teams that “shouldn’t be adding” before Tuesday afternoon.
“There are plenty of reasons to be excited about what the Browns are building with their past two drafts, and with nine picks in the first five rounds of the 2027 draft, [general manager Andrew] Berry has plenty of draft capital if he does want to make a move. I would argue that any sort of move should be for a player who would make an impact in 2027 and beyond, though,” Barnwell wrote.
The good news is that Barnwell limited his list to playoff contenders, which means that the Browns are considered that. However, his stance on them would indicate that he doesn’t have full belief in their candidacy. Interestingly, the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers were placed in the same category.
The Browns do have some needs that would benefit from immediate attention and enhance their postseason chances, such as depth at tight end and along the offensive and defensive lines. Yet, Barnwell’s analysis of the Browns makes sense. They have entered the playoff mix much sooner than expected and could cement that position going forward by saving their draft capital for another strong class.
Cleveland may be looking to ease some roster congestion by trading away Jerry Jeudy at wide receiver and either Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel at quarterback. The Browns could make deals that add draft picks and then spend some to add something else.
They have been linked to Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert, who may become an even more important target depending on the severity of Harold Fannin Jr.’s groin injury. Cleveland has also been named in rumors surrounding Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Khalil Mack, who could help take some pressure off struggling Jared Verse.
After the Browns face the Saints, the question of whether to buy or sell may be much easier to answer, one way or the other.
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