The NFL knows drama. While that used to be the tagline for the television channel “TNT,” the NFL has figured out a way to take over that title and run with it. Often on social media, you will see things like “the script writers were on their game with this one” or other statements talking about the drama that unfolds within the professional football league.
For the Cleveland Browns, they are often on the negative side of that drama, making mistake after mistake after mistake. On the official opening
day of NFL free agency, the Baltimore Ravens have taken that drama title over. A quick recap:
- Agreed to trade 2 first round picks to the Las Vegas Raiders for DE Maxx Crosby
- According to reports, saw DE Trey Hendrickson’s contract demands drop between $5 and 10 million a year
- Had Crosby in for his physical, a month after his surgery, and backed out of the trade
- Signed Hendrickson to a contract worth around $27 million, up to $30 million, when he was initially asking for up to $40 million yearly
Now, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the trade offers to acquire Crosby have dropped significantly:
That doesn’t mean the Raiders would trade him for those offers; reportedly, they would not, but it is also possible that Crosby requests that they find a trade for him after everything. Bill Barnwell of ESPN opined that a first-round pick and something else might get the job done, given how Las Vegas has spent a lot of money in free agency and seems like they are turning the page, overall.
This is where the Browns could jump in.
Yes, Cleveland continues to need more help on the offensive side of the ball, including left tackle, wide receiver, and quarterback. Yes, the Browns defense was very good last year and is paying DE Myles Garrett a ton of money. Yes, Cleveland continues to spend cap space as if it is never-ending but the cap does have limits.
On the other hand, in exchange for the 24th overall pick (or 39 and DT Mike Hall Jr.), the Browns defense could go from very good to almost unstoppable with Crosby and Garrett rushing the passer. Cleveland could still draft a left tackle with the sixth overall pick and a wide receiver with their second selection (depending on which one they dealt to the Raiders).
From a salary cap perspective, as Berry has done quite often, a simple restructure would make concerns in 2026 very minimal:
Adding Crosby would also create a little extra revenge quotient versus the AFC North rival Ravens, for a player who already goes at 110% on every snap.
Will the Browns ultimately end up with Crosby? Maybe a 5% chance. Could Cleveland end up pairing Garrett and Crosby? If the trade price truly does plummet, why not?
Do you think the Browns should try to trade for Crosby, given their other needs? What draft capital would you trade to create the most dynamic pass rush duo in the NFL?
Share your thoughts in the comment section below
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