The Cleveland Browns are one of the big surprises in the NFL this year. With a 5-2 record, they sit in first place in the AFC North and have a chance to put some distance between them and their closest competition this weekend. Needless to say, the Browns are in the playoff hunt.
Teams in this position are often buyers at the NFL trade deadline. It’s important to build on a strong start with reinforcements down the stretch and into the postseason. This is something that the Browns front office needs to start thinking about as the November 10th trade deadline approaches.
In fact, ESPN’s Matt Bowen and Jeremy Fowler have already linked the Browns to a trade target in their recent article discussing potential fits for the 25 players most likely to be
traded. This was Tennessee Titans defensive end Jermaine Johnson.
They had this to say on Johnson.
“I don't see elite traits with Johnson, but he has the play strength and length to dent the pocket, and he will pick up second-reaction hits on the quarterback due to his effort level.”
Does that sound like someone who could help the Browns defensive end room? Yes, and it would make sense to look into that move. However, there are caveats here.
First of all, there isn't any indication of what it might cost to acquire Johnson. If it is a mid-day three-pick, then it’s worth looking into, but anything higher than that could be too rich. While his 3.0 sacks would be tied for 3rd on the Browns, he has never proven himself to be a great pass rusher.
Johnson has had 6.0 sacks in his last 22 games, so this isn’t a talent that Cleveland absolutely has to go out and get. On top of that, he’s in the last year of his deal, so this would only be a short-term rental. Again, not something worth overpaying for.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns named a fit for Titans' edge rusher before trade deadline
