The Browns are sitting at 3-2, and that record leaves them in an awkward spot with the NFL trade deadline still less than a month away. The next four games will do plenty of the sorting for Cleveland: keep winning, and the conversation shifts toward buying. Start sliding, and the list of possible trade chips gets a lot more interesting.
One name at the top of that list is Grant Delpit. He signed an extension in the offseason, but that hasn’t removed him from the radar if the Browns decide to listen.
Cleveland also used a second-round pick on Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, who has seen his role grow as the season has gone on. Delpit remains a strong defender, especially near the line of scrimmage, and the kind of return he could fetch would be massive - multiple picks, potentially even a first-rounder because of his contract length.
With the 2027 draft expected to be loaded, the Browns could be looking at a future built around three first-round picks.
Possible fits: Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys, Carolina Panthers
Hickman is another defensive back who could come up in trade talks, especially with McNeil-Warren working at free safety, which is Hickman’s spot. He is also set to hit free agency, and the Browns have already invested heavily in Delpit, making a new deal for Hickman less likely next season.
The return wouldn’t match Delpit’s, but there would still be value there. Since Hickman came into the league as an undrafted free agent, any meaningful haul would count as a strong win for Cleveland.
Possible fits: Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys, Carolina Panthers
On the defensive front, Collins stands out as a logical candidate if the Browns drift backward in the standings. He has been a force since arriving in Cleveland, but his contract is expiring, and that makes him an appealing piece for a contender looking to tighten up its defense.
Mason Graham and Mike Hall Jr. are expected back from injury to help cover the loss if Collins is moved. If he is not re-signed in the offseason, the Browns may be better off getting something for him now.
A deal could bring back two middle-round picks, which Cleveland can use as part of a package to move up in the draft.
Possible fits: Cincinnati Bengals, Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos
Jenkins is another player whose situation points toward the deadline. He is currently sidelined with a back injury, and rookie Austin Barber has moved ahead of him on the depth chart.
With free agency arriving at the end of the year, he could be useful to a playoff team desperate for offensive line help. His trade value would be modest, but the Browns might still be able to attach him to a late-round pick and move up one round.
Possible fits: Seattle Seahawks, New Orleans Saints, Los Angeles Rams
Jeudy could also draw interest from a contender. His production has been uneven, and his role has shrunk with the emergence of Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion in the receiver room.
The Arizona Cardinals got a second-round pick for the disappointing Marvin Harrison Jr., though Jeudy is older and would not be walking into the same college-quarterback setup. Even so, Cleveland could still get two middle-round picks if it chose to deal him.
Possible fits: Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams
Sanders is a different kind of case. He hired an agent, which could signal a desire to move on from Cleveland while Deshaun Watson has handled the starting job all season.
Harrison Jr. also hired an agent before his own trade situation developed. Dillon Gabriel is expected to come off the injured list in the next couple of weeks and could slide into the backup role.
The return for Sanders is hard to pin down, though, since he was a fifth-round pick and did not impress much in limited action last season.
If the losses start stacking up, the Browns could end up leaning into future capital. They already have two first-round picks and three fourth-round picks for the draft, and Andrew Berry has been building that stockpile.
Right now, Cleveland has a winning record. But the season can turn quickly, and the decisions that matter most may be coming soon.
In Other News...
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But the buzz runs up against the reality of how Cleveland views Sanders, which is why a move looks unlikely for now. Berry reportedly values him highly, and with Sanders still on his rookie contract for more than two seasons, the Browns have time on their side even as the bigger quarterback picture stays unsettled. For a team trying to balance present uncertainty with a long-range plan, that makes Sanders one of the more interesting names on the roster to watch. [Read more 🡒]
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Isaiah Bond Gave Browns Fans Hope And One Big Concern
Isaiah Bonds biggest opportunity of the season came in Week 5 against the Jets, when an injury to KC Concepcion opened the door for the Browns receiver to see a season-high 49 offensive snaps. Bond made the most of the chance in some ways, finishing with three catches for 74 yards and leading Cleveland in receiving on a day when the passing game needed someone to step forward.
Deshaun Watsons public support after the game added another layer to Bonds performance, with the quarterback pointing to the receivers limited reps and urging patience as he develops. Still, the tape left room for concern because Bond also had key drops, the kind of missed chances that can linger when a young receiver is trying to earn a bigger role in the offense. [Read more 🡒]