The Cleveland Browns had their bye in Week 5, giving them a chance to evaluate their roster nearly a third of the way through the season. They have been bit hard by injuries to a few key players, such as running back Nick Chubb and left tackle Jack Conklin, and ineffectiveness elsewhere on the roster.
If the Browns want to stick in the AFC North divisional race or compete for a Wild Card spot at the very least, they have to strongly consider making some moves ahead of the October 31st trade deadline. No. 1 on their priority list should be keeping Deshaun Watson upright.
Conklin suffering a season-ending injury was a major loss for Cleveland. Jedrick Wills is falling woefully short of expectations and the Browns should be on the look for some help at the tackle spot. One player that Joe Tansey of Bleacher Report believes they should target is Garrett Bolles of the Denver Broncos.
The Broncos are 1-5 on the season after their loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday Night Football to kickoff Week 6. A firesale should be on the horizon as their playoff hopes are essentially toast at this point.
Cleveland likely attempted to iron out the issues Wills has had this week during the bye. But, if they persist this weekend against the San Francisco 49ers, Bolles is a logical trade target. The Browns need to protect Watson because if they don’t, there isn’t a viable backup option on the roster.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson struggled in his debut in Week 4 against the Baltimore Ravens, throwing three interceptions. It was a tough spot for the rookie to be in, but with Watson’s shaky health, Cleveland should look for a more established backup.
One target could be Drew Lock of the Seattle Seahawks. There is no guarantee that the Seahawks would even make him available as he is one of the better backups in the NFL. But, if the Browns get desperate enough, they could make an offer Seattle cannot refuse.
If the shoulder issues for Watson continue, Thompson-Robinson has shown he isn’t ready to handle a starting role. But, regardless of who is under center, the Browns should be keeping their eyes on some more talent at wide receiver.
Amari Cooper continues to produce as a No. 1 and Elijah Moore has been solid. But, they are getting very little from anyone else behind them. One player whom Tansey suggested for the team to look into landing is DJ Chark of the Carolina Panthers.
On a one-year deal playing for a 0-5 team, every veteran can likely be had for a price. The Browns have a clear need for a No. 3 receiver as Donovan Peoples-Jones and David Bell have combined for nine receptions for 102 yards. Chark has battled some injury concerns in his career but would provide Cleveland with a big play, down field threat they are currently missing.
