Browns trade deadline: 3 dream players at the 4 biggest positions of need
By Chad Porto
Wide Receiver
Adam Thielen
This pick makes the most sense for the Browns for a variety of reasons. He’s signed long-term, he’s a quality replacement for Odell Beckham Jr. both this year and beyond, his cap hit is less than Beckham’s, and his dead cap hit is next to nothing if the Browns need to move on from him before his deal is up. He knows Kevin Stefanski’s offense so there’d be a little adjustment needed and he’d give Baker Mayfield a weapon that isn’t known for being a diva. A perfect fit.
Curtis Samuel
Curtis Samuel may seem like an odd selection but his multi-facet game makes him a valued asset. He can either line up in the slot or behind Mayfield and has shown the ability to break plays as either a runner or a receiver. With nearly 2,000 all-purpose yards, Samuel could be the next Josh Cribbs or Dennis Northcutt for the Browns.
Julian Edelman
Yes, Julian Edelman is on injured reserve. The Browns also have two weeks to see if he could get healthy. While he’s not a big, deep play receiver like Julio Jones, what Edelman does is very simple and that gets open quickly. Mayfield needs a player like that, someone he can rely on underneath.