Fansided

3 deals the Cleveland Browns should make before NFL trade deadline

By Brad Berreman

Sep 13, 2020; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) reacts after scoring a first quarter touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2020; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) reacts after scoring a first quarter touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cleveland Browns are 4-2 but not without flaw, so here are three moves they should make before the NFL trade deadline.

After winning four straight games, the Cleveland Browns were humbled with a 38-7 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. A return to the playoffs feels possible, but the Browns have been beaten by the Steelers and the Ravens by a combined score of 76-13 on each end of their winning streak.

With the Cincinnati Bengals, Las Vegas Raiders, Houston Texans, and Jacksonville Jaguars on the schedule in four of their next five games, the Browns may enter December in a very good position. Back-to-back games against the New York Giants and New York Jets in Week 15 and 16 can easily be marked as two more wins.

But the Browns need to find a way to beat good teams, or their ceiling for 2020 will be capped with a road playoff game and a one-and-done. Given their history, that will be great progress in Kevin Stefanski’s first season as head coach.

That said, here are three moves that should be on the Browns’ radar before the Nov. 3 trade deadline.

3. Trade David Njoku

Trade rumors around Njoku have surfaced again, though the Browns don’t seem inclined to honor his desire to be elsewhere. He suffered a knee injury in Week 1 and returned in Week 5, then played a season high 40 percent snap rate in Week 6. But also hasn’t been very involved or productive in the two games since his return, with a total of two catches for 13 yards on four targets.

The Browns have used multiple tight ends on 48 percent of their snaps through six weeks (according to Sharp Football). Having multiple usable guys at the position is a prerequisite in Stefanski’s offense. But Austin Hooper and rookie Harrison Bryant are a viable top two, and Stephen Carlson could have his snaps upped a bit if needed.

As a former first-round pick, Njoku carries the residue of upside and he’s not 25 yet. If he has no place in their present or future, and it would appear he doesn’t, this Browns regime has no attachment to him. In all honesty, maybe Njoku gets a showcase game before the trade deadline as moving him becomes more than his wish for a change of scenery.

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