The Cleveland Browns are heading into a pivotal offseason, and one thing is crystal clear: they need a game-changing wide receiver. Whether it’s to elevate Shedeur Sanders in his second year or to support a new quarterback taken in the 2027 NFL Draft, the Browns can’t afford to roll into next season with their current receiving corps.
There’s talent on the roster, sure - Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, and Isaiah Bond all have upside - but none of them are proven No. 1 options. And if Cleveland wants to get serious about contending, that has to change.
Enter A.J. Brown.
Yes, that A.J. Brown - the two-time Pro Bowler and one of the most physically dominant wide receivers in the NFL.
According to recent reports, the Browns have been linked to Brown as a potential trade target, and while it would be a blockbuster move, it’s not out of the question. The key?
Cleveland’s draft capital.
Thanks to a previous trade-down that helped the Jaguars land Travis Hunter, the Browns now hold two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft: No. 6 overall and No. 24 overall (originally Jacksonville’s). That 24th pick is the one being floated as a possible centerpiece in a deal for Brown. It’s a steep price, but when you’re talking about a player of Brown’s caliber, that’s the kind of draft asset it takes to get a deal done.
Brown is under contract through the 2029 season, which makes him more than just a one-year rental. He’s a long-term investment, the kind of elite weapon who can completely reshape an offense.
And while there were some ups and downs during his 2025 season with the Eagles, his track record speaks for itself. He’s a true No. 1 wideout - physical, explosive, and a nightmare for opposing secondaries.
From the Browns’ perspective, this is the kind of move that signals a franchise ready to take the next step. They’ve got the defense.
They’ve got intriguing pieces on offense. Now it’s about surrounding their quarterback - whether it’s Sanders or someone else - with the kind of talent that can elevate the entire unit.
Of course, if Cleveland isn’t willing to part with the 24th pick, they still have a high second-rounder in their back pocket. That could be enough to at least get Philadelphia to the negotiating table, especially if the Eagles are looking to retool or shift their roster makeup heading into 2026.
Bottom line: the Browns have the ammo, both in terms of draft picks and cap space, to make a serious run at A.J. Brown.
And if they pull the trigger, they’re not just adding a receiver - they’re adding a tone-setter, a leader, and a player who can tilt the field every time he lines up. For a team trying to climb into the AFC’s upper tier, that’s exactly the kind of move that makes sense.