The Cleveland Browns have gotten off to a 4-2 start this season and look like surefire playoff contenders, but there is no doubt that they could stand to improve their roster.
Luckily for the Browns, there is still time to make some adjustments between now and the Oct. 31 NFL trade deadline, and there are certainly options available for the club.
Here are three trade targets Cleveland must consider before the end of the month.
Dalvin Cook, New York Jets
When the Jets signed Dalvin Cook back in August, most expected that the veteran would instantly become New York’s featured running back and would help elevate the offense.
That has not been the case.
Through the first seven weeks of 2023, Cook’s impact has been surprisingly limited, as he rushed for just 109 yards while averaging a meager 2.8 yards per carry. Meanwhile, Breece Hall has become the clear No. 1 back for the Jets, which has sparked trade speculation surrounding Cook.
You know who could use another halfback? The Browns.
Cleveland lost Nick Chubb to a season-ending knee injury back in Week 2, and while Jerome Ford, Pierre Strong and recent signee Kareem Hunt have done an admirable job filling in, the Browns could still use another boost in their backfield.
While Saquon Barkley would obviously be the better addition, it doesn’t appear the New York Giants will be moving him, so Cook may be the next best option.
Perhaps a change of scenery would do Cook some good.
Garett Bolles, Denver Broncos
The left side of the Browns’ offensive line has not been very good this season, as left tackle Jedrick Wills has struggled and Cleveland does not have much in-house depth to remedy the issue.
So why not turn to Broncos’ tackle Garett Bolles?
Bolles is a prime trade candidate for the 2-5 Broncos, and the best part is that he would also bridge the gap to the future for the Browns.
The 31-year-old is under contract through the end of next season, and while he is fairly pricy (he is earning $13.8 million in base salary this year and is set to make $16 million in 2024), he is worth it.
Bolles may not be elite, but he is a fine tackle and would unquestionably represent an upgrade for an offensive line that has already allowed 20 sacks through six games.
Leonard Williams, New York Giants
The Browns may rank No. 1 in yards allowed defensively, but there is no question that their defensive front could use some tinkering.
As dominant as Cleveland’s defense has been, it did allow 38 points to the Indianapolis Colts this past weekend, and outside of Myles Garrett, its pass rush is only so-so.
Leonard Williams would represent a fine and realistic target for the Browns. The Giants are just 2-5, and I don’t think their Week 7 win over the Washington Commanders has moved the needle much for them.
Williams is an expiring contract and has been relatively disappointing for New York over the last couple of seasons, so he is absolutely a prime trade candidate.
The 29-year-old could step in and provide Cleveland with an experienced and talented interior pass rusher who is also adept at stuffing the run.
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