The Cleveland Browns are looking to get back on track in 2023. Their 2022 season was undone by late-game collapses and Deshaun Watson’s suspension, as he was very rusty once he stepped into the starting lineup in Week 13.
He went nearly two years between appearances in an NFL game, so that certainly contributed to his lack of production. But, the Browns also lacked some reliable weapons in the passing game for him to rely on.
Cleveland acquired Amari Cooper from the Dallas Cowboys last offseason and he remains a legitimate No. 1 option in the passing game. Donovan Peoples-Jones played well, but there was virtually nothing beyond those two.
As a result, the Browns went out and made some changes. They acquired Elijah Moore in a trade from the New York Jets, but they may not be done. Adding another wide receiver to the mix was suggested as a way for the team to round out their roster for the upcoming season.
One of the suggested trade targets was Jerry Jeudy of the Denver Broncos. Jeudy has been mentioned as a possible trade target for a while now, but new head coach Sean Payton has consistently said none of the team’s pass catchers would be on the move.
Landing Jeudy would provide the Browns with a long-term building block for the position, but acquiring him would be difficult. Denver is seeking a first or second-round pick, which is a steep price after what they paid to acquire Watson.
If they want to make another addition at wide receiver, a cheaper alternative could be Quez Watkins of the Philadelphia Eagles. Watkins looked like he would be a regular part of their offense after a strong rookie season but he has seen his role decrease in the subsequent two seasons.
Heading into the final year of his rookie contract, the Eagles would be open to trading him. Another offensive weapon that would fit in Cleveland is the hybrid weapon Cordarrelle Patterson of the Atlanta Falcons.
Patterson has converted to running back with Atlanta upon signing with them in 2021. He has taken well to the change, providing a nice change of pace and excellent pass-catching skills. With Kareem Hunt not returning, the Browns could use a player of Patterson’s caliber to help spell Nick Chubb and play on passing downs.
