The Cleveland Browns ended up not adding any new players via trade ahead of the deadline, but it was not for a lack of trying. The team attempted to re-acquire Jacoby Brissett from the Washington Commanders in exchange for a sixth-round pick, but the offer was rejected.
Cleveland was in the market for a wide receiver and some offensive line depth according to Diana Russini of The Athletic and Jay Glazer of FOX Sports had them seeking running back help. Unfortunately for the team, none of that came to fruition as the only deal the Browns made was trading wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones to the Detroit Lions in exchange for a sixth-round pick.
If the Browns are going to make an addition to the team, it will have to come via free agency. They addressed their need in the backfield by signing Kenyan Drake, who spent time previously this season with the Baltimore Ravens.
But, in the opinion of Max Dible of Heavy, they should not stop there. He believes that the team should make an addition at quarterback and sign free agent Carson Wentz. Wentz has certainly experienced his fair share of struggles but would be an upgrade on what the Browns currently have under center.
With Deshaun Watson dealing with a shoulder injury, the team has had to rely on rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson and P.J. Walker to lead the offense. Thompson-Robinson played so poorly in his start that he hasn’t seen the field since, with Walker handling all of the reps with Watson sidelined.
Wentz would breathe some life into the passing attack with previous experience throwing the ball. While he turned the ball over too much in 2022 with the Washington Commanders, he was solid in 2021 with the Indianapolis Colts, recording a 1.4 interception percentage, which was the second-best mark of his career.
With a championship-caliber defense in place, the Browns just need a game manager offensively who can make plays when needed and protect the ball. Walker has not been able to consistently do that, throwing five interceptions in three starts with two total fumbles.
At 4-3, the time to make a move is now. If Watson isn’t going to be able to get back onto the field and produce competently, Cleveland needs to make a move as Walker hasn’t gotten the job done to this point.
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