For all of the success the Cleveland Browns have had this season, their running game remains a glaring disappointment. Using a shotgun-oriented scheme behind a rebuilt offensive line is the primary issue, but there could be other factors at play as well.
A major issue is the lack of a true blocking tight end. The Browns tried to address that issue this offseason by signing free agent Jack Stoll, but he was injured during training camp and released before cutdown day.
Now, with the NFL trade deadline approaching, the Browns could try again, with insider Tony Grossi calling it the team’s biggest need.
“I think a blocking tight end is something that shouldn’t be an unreachable goal. You’re not looking for Brock Bowers. You’re looking for a guy on someone’s roster who’s just a legitimate blocking tight end. It’s not gonna be very glamorous if they make that trade, but I think that’s almost the No. 1 priority,” Grossi said.
.@TonyGrossi thinks that the Browns should prioritize trading for a legit blocking TE before the NFL trade deadline.
Do you agree? pic.twitter.com/yXuvuqvjCD
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) October 20, 2026
Excluding the rushing yards gained by quarterback Deshaun Watson, the Browns have averaged 3.3 yards per carry on 110 attempts. They are averaging 61.3 rushing yards per game, with just 16 first downs on the ground overall.
The shortcomings are even more glaring when you consider that Browns head coach Todd Monken was the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens for the previous three seasons, when the Ravens led the NFL in rushing yards. Former Ravens run game coordinator Travis Switzer is the Browns’ offensive coordinator, and George Warhop also came over as the offensive line coach.
Cleveland has Blake Whiteheart and rookie Carsen Ryan behind pass-catcher Harold Fannin Jr. on the depth chart. The good news is that a blocking tight end is not likely to be a costly acquisition, but it may be difficult to find one who fits the Browns’ system at this point of the season.
Cleveland is also likely to be in the market for running back depth, which plays into this issue as well. Quinshon Judkins was inactive in Week 6 with an injury to his surgically repaired ankle, but even before then, he was struggling at 3.1 yards per carry, posting just 221 yards in the first five games.
The Browns may also look for offensive line depth and an edge rusher, with their willingness to deal likely to depend on where they are in the standings when the post-Week 9 deadline arrives.
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