Coming off an embarrassing performance in Week 8, the Cleveland Browns have to get back on a plane for Week 9’s matchup with the New Orleans Saints, who are coming off their bye week with a coaching change. With the NFL trade deadline just two days later, the outcome of Week 9 could decide which direction Cleveland GM Andrew Berry decides to go.
A 5-4 Browns team might be more likely to stay pat, while a 6-3 record could embolden one of the many trade targets being added.
Berry has spent a lot of time
this offseason looking for help off the edge, which is why Cleveland is often linked to defensive ends. The Browns needed help before DE Alex Wright was lost for the season and before DE Jared Verse’s combination of words and actions on the field have been called into question.
Earlier in the offseason, Berry brought in a familiar face to Berea, DE Jadeveon Clowney. In the end, Clowney chose to reunite with the Houston Texans, who were thought to have a better chance at the NFL playoffs. Instead, the Texans have just two victories and could be sellers at the deadline, with Clowney’s name back on the market:
Given the Browns attempt to sign Clowney this offseason, it is likely Berry will have at least some interest.
As a rotational defensive end, Clowney has played 125 snaps for Houston this season contributing four QB hits, two tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. The Texans defense, as a whole, has been disappointing, giving up over 24 points a game after that mark was just over 17 last season.
After acquiring WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Houston isn’t in fire sale mode, but is taking calls:
As a veteran on an expiring contract, Clowney is unlikely to fetch anything better than a fifth round pick for the Texans. Like Cleveland, Week 9’s result could impact Houston’s decision making at the trade deadline. Losing to the winless Los Angeles Chargers days before the deadline would likely lead the Texans brass to go into selling mode.
Do you think Clowney would be a helpful addition to the Browns defense? What would you expect them to trade the Texans to acquire him?
Join the conversation!
Sign up for a user account and get:
- Fewer ads
- Create community posts
- Comment on articles, community posts
- Rec comments, community posts
- New, improved notifications system!
Download the SB Nation app on iOS or Android.
