The Cleveland Browns have a rare opportunity in front of them. Not only can they take a firm grasp on first place in the AFC North this weekend, but they can also put themselves in position to be buyers at the NFL trade deadline. Not something we have been able to say about this team in recent years.
The Browns have two more games before the November 10th trade deadline. This weekend against the 5-2 Pittsburgh Steelers and next week against a New Orleans Saints team that is currently 2-5. If the Browns can be 6-3 or even 7-2 after these two games, then adding for a playoff push feels very realistic.
In fact, the Browns are already being listed as potential fits for players that are expected to be on the market.
ESPN’s Matt Bowen and Jeremy Fowler
compiled a list of the 25 most likely players to be traded as well as team fits. Within it, they linked the Browns to Los Angeles Chargers pass rusher Khalil Mack.
“Mack doesn't display the same level of explosive speed on tape, but he can still disrupt the pocket due to his play strength and advanced counter moves.”
Mack is currently in his 13th NFL season. He has 116.0 career sacks as well as nine Pro Bowl appearances and four All-Pro selections. His 3.0 sacks this year would rank 3rd on the team and be tied for 1st among Browns edge rushers.
More than that, his experience is something the Browns pass rushers just currently don't have. Jared Verse never got to play with Myles Garrett, and Mason Graham only had one year with him. It would be nice to bring in a future Hall of Fame pass rusher who can impart his wisdom on a talented young defensive line room.
Fowlers believes that it would take a “quality day 3 pick” to make the deal happen. I'd say that is a small price to pay for the mentorship he can bring to the defensive line room and the boost Mack could provide to the pass rush down the stretch.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Are the Browns a fit for Chargers' Khalil Mack in a trade?
