The NFL trade deadline is on November 5th, and though everyone’s enthralled by the idea of trading for another offensive tackle or wide receiver in Cleveland, there are two other positions to keep an eye
on.
Looking ahead to 2026, the team is currently on pace to lose 28 players in free agency. The Browns are set to part ways with six offensive linemen (4 IOL, 2 OT) when the new league year begins, and though this might be seen as a “good thing” right now, Cleveland still needs to find ways to fill those spots in a potentially cost-effective manner.
One of the best ways to do so for Andrew Berry and Co. might be to trade for a cost-controlled offensive guard within the next couple of weeks. It could either be a player who’s already on a fairly good contract, or someone who’s scheduled to be a free agent as well, but someone who they know would re-sign/get extended at a reasonable price. Both Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller will most likely not be re-signed after the season, and they’ll need to find a starting-quality player alongside someone like Zak Zinter in 2026. Needless to say, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Cleveland acquire a younger interior offensive lineman before the 2025 deadline.
The other position that could be targeted is tight end. David Njoku is also scheduled to hit free agency alongside Blake Whiteheart in 2026, and despite Njoku being an enormous fan favorite, the team could actually let him walk after the 2025 season.
The Browns absolutely love Harold Fannin Jr. and the skillset he brings to the offense, and it’s no secret that he’s being utilized more than Njoku as of late. Fannin’s in-line blocking has also improved over the past few games, making him even more valuable to the team. Aside from the talent level argument, Njoku could end up simply being a cap casualty. There’s no reason for the team to bring Njoku back for the amount of money that he’d most likely demand.
It’s entirely possible that Cleveland could target next year’s TE2 at the trade deadline in November. Similar to how they could feel about an offensive guard, they might want to bring in a talented yet cost-effective player at tight end.
What other positions would you want to see the team trade for? Join fellow Browns fans in the comment section below.
