Why a C.J. Stroud Trade Would Be a Risk Cleveland Can’t Afford to Take
The NFL offseason is barely underway, and already the rumor mill is churning at full speed. This time, it's Todd McShay lighting the fuse, suggesting that Houston quarterback C.J.
Stroud could be on the move. That’s the kind of bombshell that gets front offices buzzing and fans refreshing Twitter like it’s draft night.
And right on cue, the Cleveland Browns have been floated as a potential suitor.
Now, let’s be clear: C.J. Stroud is a rising star.
He showed poise, arm talent, and leadership well beyond his years in Houston. Any team would be lucky to have him.
But for the Browns? This isn’t just a “maybe not.”
It’s a hard no-because it’s not just about talent. It’s about timing, structure, and the scars of the past.
The Watson Deal Still Looms Large
Cleveland is still carrying the weight of the Deshaun Watson trade-and more importantly, the fully guaranteed contract that came with it. Even if the Browns find a way to restructure that deal this offseason (which they almost certainly will), the financial fallout is far from over.
Watson is set to carry over $100 million in dead cap across 2027 and 2028. That’s not just a number on a spreadsheet.
That’s a handcuff on the franchise’s ability to build a sustainable roster.
So let’s say, hypothetically, Cleveland pulls off a trade for Stroud. It wouldn’t just cost premium draft capital-it would also require carving out cap space for a future extension.
And right now, that space doesn’t exist. The Browns are already operating with financial constraints.
Adding another high-end quarterback contract into the mix would only tighten the squeeze.
A Roster in Need of Repair, Not a Splash
Beyond the cap sheet, there’s the state of the roster itself-specifically, the offensive line. This isn’t the same dominant front that once helped power the Browns’ ground game and protect their quarterback.
Nearly the entire line needs to be rebuilt this offseason, and that’s not a one-player fix. It’s going to take smart drafting, savvy free-agent signings, and, yes, money.
That’s where the idea of trading for Stroud really starts to fall apart. Giving up multiple first-round picks would gut the Browns’ ability to address those needs. And what good is a franchise quarterback if he’s constantly under siege behind a patchwork line?
We’ve seen this story before-mortgaging the future for a quarterback without the infrastructure to support him. It didn’t end well the first time. Running it back with Houston, of all teams, would be like doubling down on a busted hand.
The Browns Need Foundation, Not Flash
Cleveland doesn’t need another headline-grabbing move. It needs to get back to basics.
That means investing in the trenches, building depth, and creating a roster that can withstand the grind of an NFL season. The Browns have real pieces in place-especially on the defensive side of the ball-but they’re not one quarterback away.
Not yet.
General manager Andrew Berry and team owner Jimmy Haslam have to resist the temptation to chase the next big thing. A Stroud trade might generate buzz, but it would come at the cost of long-term stability. And for a franchise that’s still trying to climb out of the shadow of its last blockbuster QB deal, that’s a price too high to pay.
The Browns have a chance this offseason to reset, refocus, and retool. That starts with smart, sustainable decisions-not swinging for the fences just because the opportunity presents itself.
Stroud’s a talent, no doubt. But for Cleveland, the priority should be building the foundation-not chasing the fantasy.