The Cleveland Browns have significant work ahead to rebuild the franchise into a contender. The failed trade for Deshaun Watson has had lasting consequences, impacting not only their salary cap but also setting the team back in other areas.
As general manager, Andrew Berry’s task is to optimize the current roster’s value. This leads many to suggest that the Browns should trade Myles Garrett for a substantial draft haul. However, what’s often overlooked is the salary cap impact of trading Garrett. His contract would actually worsen the team’s salary cap situation, which makes such a move counterproductive.
While it’s easy for fans to focus on stats and player skills when discussing trades, teams are more likely to trade for contracts rather than individual players. With that in mind, here are a few potential surprise trades that could take place during the offseason:
Alex Wright, DE
Wright’s season ended prematurely due to injury, but before that, he had registered five sacks in his first eight games. Entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2025, the emergence of Isaiah McGuire could make Wright expendable. The Browns may look to trade him to a team in need of young edge talent, potentially gaining valuable draft capital in return.
Wyatt Teller, OG
Teller has expressed his desire to secure a new contract that would keep him in Cleveland. With the market for interior offensive linemen having skyrocketed last offseason, the final year of his current deal now seems quite reasonable. The Browns may explore trade options, especially if they believe his value could be higher elsewhere.
Evaluating Wyatt Teller’s on-field performance, along with gaining insight from Joel Bitonio on whether he intends to play another season, will be critical for the Browns. Given the team’s dismal 3-14 record, it’s hard to imagine there won’t be personnel changes on the offensive line.
The Browns selected Zak Zinter in the third round last year, and although he’s expected to start in the future, the team may choose to give him another year to develop. Teller could become a target for contending teams looking to strengthen their roster and push for a championship.
Martin Emerson Jr.
This is a trade possibility you may not have considered, but one that could be worth exploring. While fans may be eager to trade Greg Newsome, especially after the Browns exercised his fifth-year option for nearly $14 million next year, a trade involving Emerson might be more appealing. Emerson, like Wright, is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Although the Browns could choose to extend him this offseason, his play in 2024 was a bit underwhelming compared to his first two seasons. Additionally, with the opportunity to draft Travis Hunter with the second overall pick, the Browns could decide to part ways with Emerson. He could likely fetch a day-two draft pick in return.
