The Browns are sitting in a strong spot at 3-1 and alone in first place in the AFC North, but that hasn’t erased the need for help on the defensive line. With Mason Graham injured, Jared Verse still working to find his footing, and the rest of the front carrying some long-term uncertainty, Cleveland has reason to shop for another difference-maker up front before the deadline.
Two names stand out as realistic targets: Kayvon Thibodeaux and Jonathan Allen Payne.
Thibodeaux has not fully become the player the Giants hoped for when they took him fifth overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. He’s had moments, including a career-best 11.5 sacks in 2023, but he has managed just eight sacks over the last three seasons combined. New York also added Abdul Carter with the No. 3 overall pick last offseason, which makes the edge group even younger and gives the Giants a reason to think about moving Thibodeaux for draft capital and a mid-level contributor.
The Browns have some recent trade history that helps frame the cost. When Cleveland sent Za'Darius Smith away in 2024, it got back a fifth- and sixth-round pick.
More recently, the Steelers traded defensive back Joey Porter Jr. for a sixth- and second-round pick. Using that as a guide, a package of a 2027 third-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick could be enough to get Thibodeaux to Cleveland.
The Browns currently have three 2027 third-rounders, which gives them flexibility.
The catch is that New York’s edge depth is thin with Brian Burns out for the season. If Cleveland wants Thibodeaux badly enough, it may need to put together a more convincing offer or include Sam Williams or Derek Barnett to make the deal work.
Payne is the other name worth watching. Drafted 13th overall in 2018, he has built a steady case as one of the league’s most reliable defensive tackles.
Over the last nine seasons, he has piled up 440 tackles, 37 sacks, 65 tackles for a loss, 84 quarterback hits and seven forced fumbles. At 29, he’s still producing at a level that would give Cleveland an immediate boost inside.
Washington’s 1-3 start has put the Commanders in a position where changes could be coming as they look toward the deadline and the offseason. Payne is an unrestricted free agent in 2027, and the situation points toward a possible move if Washington decides to retool. For Cleveland, the fit is obvious: Payne could line up next to Mason Graham, or step into the top role if Graham’s injury turns out to be more serious than expected.
Durability is part of the appeal, too. Payne has missed only three games over the last nine years. And with Deshaun Watson’s contract relatively off the books, the Browns would have a clearer path to extending him this offseason if they wanted to make a long-term play.
The market for a player like Payne is harder to pin down, but based on the Joey Porter Jr. return, a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick could be enough to get Washington’s attention. If Cleveland wants to strengthen its front for a real postseason push, both of these names make sense as the deadline nears.
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