Browns: Chandler Jones could be a trade deadline target

Arizona’s Chandler Jones should be a target for the Browns if needed.

The Browns may be one of the few teams with the assets to pull off a trade of this magnitude. Arizona’s Chandler Jones, one of the best pass-rushers in the league, has requested a trade from the franchise due to his contract. This of course has everyone and their brother wondering about what team, if any, can get involved to try and acquire this disgruntled player. Considering they just acquired J.J. Watt to pair with Jones, this couldn’t have come at a worse time for the team.

This is where the Browns may have an opportunity to jump in and pounce.

Considering how long it takes for teams to often get around to making a move with disgruntled guys, there’s every bit the possibility that he’s still on the team come to the trade deadline. Now, this may not make a lot of sense on paper to some, as the team did just acquire Jadeveon Clowney in the offseason, but Clowney has had a few down years as of late. If he doesn’t bounce back by the trade deadline, assuming Jones is still available, the Browns would be wise to go after the Cardinals player.

The Browns should consider trading for Chandler Jones if the team has that need.

Clowney may not be the answer at the other defensive end spot, hence the one-year deal. Jones is 31 and coming off of a bicep injury, who’s also in the last year of his contract. It’s very possible Jones never rebounds or is a half-year rental. All that’s possible, but if Myles Garrett is again having a season where he’s the only one providing any real pass-rush pressure then the team needs to make a move to help him out.

Jones is someone who, depending on the defense, can play tackle, end, or linebacker and has in the past for the Patriots and Cardinals. That type of versatility makes him incredibly unique. He’s bigger than Clowney, and in the event, the defense fails to impress and the team opts to make changes to the scheme, Jones could shift to a linebacking role if need be.

The move should only be made, however, if Clowney fails to impress in his pass-rushing duties. That doesn’t mean getting rid of him necessarily, as we’ve seen ends slide inside all the time, but it would mean it’s time to go get some real help for Garrett, and Jones could be that guy.