NFL insiders believe that the Browns could actually be buyers at the NFL trade deadline after starting the season 5-2.
The Cleveland Browns have been one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 season. Cleveland is 5-2 heading into Week 8 and sits atop the AFC North division standings alongside Pittsburgh. This shocking turn of events could impact how the Browns approach the upcoming NFL trade deadline.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano shared intel from around the league in their latest article. They touched on how Cleveland could actually become buyers at the deadline after their hot start.
“Cleveland is a low-key team to watch at the deadline. The Browns are 5-2 and like to make deals,” Fowler wrote. “Defensive line help will be available if they tap into it. And adding a versatile blocker, either at tight end or H-back, would be timely, perhaps providing a player similar to what Todd Monken had in Baltimore with Patrick Ricard.”
Cleveland already has Michael Burton at fullback, but they could certainly upgrade over the veteran. The Browns also lack depth at tight end behind Harold Fannin Jr., so adding a tight end could be huge.
Meanwhile, the Browns may not trade away players now that their season is going well. That could take players like Jerry Jeudy off the trade block.
“Because the team is winning, and because the Cleveland Browns are 5-2, so many of the trade conversations that I think a lot of people were talking about, maybe several weeks ago, have quieted,” Ian Rapoport said on Monday via NFL Network. “Jerry Jeudy was the target of speculation in the rumor mill for a long time, actually going back to last year. It does not seem to me that the Cleveland Browns will now trade Jerry Jeudy, because they’re good.”
Cleveland is set to have 11 picks in the 2027 NFL Draft. It will be interesting to see how far they reach into their war chest, if at all, at the deadline.
Next up for the Browns is a road game against the Steelers. That AFC North showdown kicks off at 1 p.m. ET on Nov. 1 from Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.
The Cleveland Browns have been one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 season. Cleveland is 5-2 heading into Week 8 and sits atop the AFC North division standings alongside Pittsburgh. This shocking turn of events could impact how the Browns approach the upcoming NFL trade deadline.
