The Cleveland Browns had to wait a long time to make a selection in the 2023 NFL Draft because of trades previously made. They didn’t end up making a selection until the third round and despite lacking in draft capital, Cleveland was able to fill multiple holes on their roster.
The biggest need for the Browns was along the defensive line, which they addressed early in free agency with the signing of Dalvin Tomlinson. Outside of Myles Garrett, that front left a lot to be desired, especially against the run. The secondary was boosted by the addition of Super Bowl-winning safety Juan Thornhill.
If they can shore things up there, the defense will find a lot more success. Offensively, the team will be hoping for Deshaun Watson to return to form. It wasn’t a surprise that he struggled once he got on the field in 2022 as it was nearly two years between regular season snaps for Watson.
Finding some more weapons in the passing game was important, so the team acquired Elijah Moore from the New York Jets in a trade and signed Marquise Goodwin. They will provide more speed and explosiveness, but the offense could still use a few more weapons, namely in the backfield.
Running back D’Ernest Johnson signed a free agent deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Kareem Hunt remains a free agent. If looking to add another playmaker to the mix, the Browns should make a call to the Atlanta Falcons.
There is a chance that Cordarrelle Patterson would be available in a trade. His spot on the roster was tenuous heading into the offseason and became even shakier after Atlanta selected Texas running back Bijan Robinson with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. After a solid rookie season from Tyler Allgeier, Patterson could be expendable.
What could a trade between the Browns and Falcons look like? Given the fact that the Falcons are considering releasing him, it shouldn’t cost much. Cleveland could offer a pick swap, sending a sixth-round pick to Atlanta in the 2024 NFL Draft in exchange for Patterson and a seventh-round pick.
The Falcons would save some money in the deal, as a post-June 1st move involving Patterson would provide $4.25 million in savings. Moving up one round in the 2024 NFL Draft is the cherry on top.
For the Browns, they are getting a versatile weapon that can fill numerous roles. He has transitioned into a running back in recent seasons but provides serious pass-catching skills out of the backfield, which is lacking behind Nick Chubb would be ideal.
Patterson is also electrifying as a kick return man, leading the league in return yards twice and average yardage on kick returns three times. Six times he has held or tied the league lead for kickoff return touchdowns as well.
