3 BROWNS ON THE TRADE BLOCK HEADING INTO TRAINING CAMP

Boasting one of the deepest rosters in the NFL, the Cleveland Browns will have to make some tough decisions when it comes time to cut their roster to 53 players. In the past, they were often the team with the No. 1 waiver claim and filled out their roster with players who missed the cut elsewhere. Now, they will be one of the teams releasing players who can still contribute.

That's why it makes sense for them to try and see if they can swap any player on the bubble for future draft picks — rather than release them and get nothing in return. With that being the case, here are three players who might be on the trade block.

3. Jerome Ford, Running Back

In place of an injured Nick Chubb, Jerome Ford had 1,132 yards from scrimmage in his second season with nine total touchdowns. He was decent as a rusher with an average of 4.0 yards per attempt, although he was aided by several breakaway runs. As a receiver out of the backfield, he was dangerous with 319 yards and five touchdowns.

Looking ahead to 2024, Ford finds himself with more competition around him. The Browns signed D'Onta Foreman and Nyheim Hines in free agency and are hopeful Chubb will return earlier than expected. That could make Ford expendable — especially if they're comfortable with Pierre Strong, Jr. as the third back until Chubb returns.

Trading him might not result in a huge bounty but even landing a day three pick for someone who was a fifth-round selection isn't a bad trade off.

2. Tyler Huntley, Quarterback

It was a bit of a surprise when the Browns signed Tyler Huntley this offseason after already bringing Jameis Winston on board as the backup to Deshaun Watson. Huntley is a well-known quarterback who was a Pro Bowler in 2022 with the Baltimore Ravens (although he didn't deserve to make it if we're being honest). Just two years after his strong season with a divisional rival, he suddenly found himself as the fourth quarterback in Cleveland.

There were questions raised about the health of Watson when Huntley was added. Watson had shoulder surgery after missing 12 games in 2023 but he's been looking just fine in camp. In the end, it appears Huntley is going to be a camp arm unless second-year signal-caller Dorian Thompson-Robinson continues to have issues with the hip injury that ended his rookie campaign.

Cleveland typically carries four quarterbacks through camp and the preseason, which could be the case once again. They would probably have no issues even keeping Huntley around on the practice squad, assuming he wasn't picked up elsewhere should he be released.

Of course, quarterbacks with starting experience are always in demand — especially if an injury is suffered.

Should an injury happen, or even if some team is unhappy with the performance of their backup quarterback, Huntley could suddenly be in demand. If so, the Browns would be thrilled to add some draft capital in exchange for a player they signed late in free agency and never really had plans to keep.

1. Elijah Moore, Wide Receiver

The Browns were looking to add more speed to their offense in 2023 which led to a trade with the New York Jets. In exchange for the 42nd pick in the draft, the Browns landed Elijah Moore as well as the 74th pick in Round 3 — which was used on another wideout, Cedric Tillman.

Moore had a decent season with 640 yards and two touchdowns on 59 receptions. The Browns clearly wanted more from the WR2 position, however, as they traded for Jerry Jeudy this offseason. Not only did they land the former Denver Broncos first-round pick but they also signed him to a three-year deal worth up to $58 million.

Not only is Moore going to be behind Jeudy in the pecking order but there are reports that he could be splitting time with Tillman as well. Going into his second season, Tillman has been impressive in workouts and has taken advantage of extra snaps afforded by a holdout from Amari Cooper and a minor injury for Jeudy.

The Browns also have David Bell, who played better in his second season than he did as a rookie, and Jamari Thrash, a fifth-round pick from Louisville. Thrash has been praised as well for his potential, which is another reason Moore could find himself on the trade block.

While he might not ever develop into a WR1, Moore is someone who can do damage in the slot and has the ability to stretch the field. Any team in need of a third wideout would be wise to call Cleveland and see what it might take to bring him in.

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This article was originally published on factoryofsadness.co as 3 Browns on the Trade Block Heading Into Training Camp.

2024-07-04T13:30:55Z dg43tfdfdgfd