Cleveland Browns: 4 wide receivers to target before NFL trade deadline

2. Demaryius Thomas

Demaryius Thomas is probably the name most linked to the Cleveland Browns right now based off the Denver Bronco’s desire to get something in return for a player who’s owed a lot of money and is underperforming.

The problem with Thomas is that he’s no longer the 1,300-yard machine he was from 2012-2015.

And he makes a lot of money for a veteran receiver in decline.

Thomas has one year left on his contract after this season, and will make around $17 million million for the 2019 campaign. It’s way too much money to cough up for aging wideout, but that price means the Browns should be able to get him away from Denver for a low asking price.

He has 33 catches for 372 yards this season, but he also has three touchdowns, with is more than any Browns receiver currently has. For the record, Jarvis Landry leads Browns’ receivers with two. Tight end David Njoku also has two.

Ultimately, the Browns know who Thomas is. He’s a 30-year-old player whose production isn’t what it used to be. With that said, he may still be capable of helping, just don’t think the you’re getting the same player who put up some of his best stats while teaming up with Peyton Manning.

The real focus should be on Thomas’ influence on the locker room. Is he going to be a good add, or will he only be interested in collecting game checks.

If he comes in, tries, sets a good example for the young receiving corps and produces with whatever he has left in the tank, then giving up a third rounder makes a ton of sense (The Browns have two third rounders in the 2019 draft).