The Cleveland Browns offseason will be very telling about what the front office and ownership expect for the 2026 NFL season. If the Browns are aggressive in addressing their needs in the short term, it will likely mean competing for the AFC North and a playoff spot is expected. If Cleveland is more reserved, as GM Andrew Berry seemed to indicate, a rebuilding year under new HC Todd Monken is more likely.
The needs on the Browns roster are squarely on offense. TE David Njoku and OL Wyatt Teller have
already said goodbye, minimizing any rumors of their return, adding to Cleveland’s deficit on that side of the ball.
A lot of the focus has been on the offensive line and quarterback positions, but Browns fans are also hoping the team will add a top-flight wide receiver. That could happen with the sixth overall pick, or with Cleveland’s next two selections, but ESPN also suggested that the Browns could make a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for WR AJ Brown:
Jeremy Fowler’s offer:
- Eagles get: 2026 first-round pick (No. 24)
- Browns get: Brown
The price tag is quite large. For reference, Brown’s former teammate DK Metcalf was traded last offseason for the 52nd overall selection (along with some late Day 3 picks swaps). Given Brown’s history, rumors of trades will swirl much of this offseason.
The idea of Brown on the Browns would be fun and exciting for fans. It is something we processed early last season as an option. While fun, there are reasons to be concerned about the logic of a trade.
Brown has been unhappy with his production with the Eagles the last few seasons (just over 1,000 yards receiving both years) and has seemed to slow down over the last few seasons. Will he be happy, and faster, with Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, Deshaun Watson, or (insert veteran free agent QB addition) throwing him passes?
His production has dipped while having quality weapons around him in DeVonta Smith and Saquon Barkley. With Quinshon Judkins, Harold Fannin Jr., and Jerry Jeudy, perhaps Smith could get more production, but last year, he was targeted 121 times, a pretty high number.
If Cleveland were able to acquire 2022 or 2023 Brown (both seasons over 1,400 yards receiving), trading a late first-round pick would be a steal. Instead, the Browns would be acquiring a player who will turn 29 before training camp, has seen both a physical and production decline, and one who may not be happy with the quarterback situation Cleveland will start with.
Brown is under contract through the 2029 season with large option bonuses each season. His salary cap number is over $22 million for the next four seasons, with a void year cap number of $53 million in 2030.
What do you think of ESPN’s Browns/Brown trade? What is a trade price you would be willing to send out to acquire Brown?
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