Browns: 3 positions Cleveland needs to consider trading for by the deadline

The Browns may need some slight upgrades to make the playoffs.

The Browns have a good team. Do they have a great team? Well, only time will tell but right now the Browns have a definitely good team. They’re hurt by injuries but at full strength, they’re a challenge for anyone. That doesn’t mean they are perfect, however. With the NFL trade deadline approaching, the Browns would be wise to consider some moves.

Let’s be clear, we’re not talking about quarterback or even running back. Cleveland running scheme is so good that just about anyone could fit in it and do well. That’s not really an issue for Cleveland at the moment.

As for quarterback, trading for one at this juncture is a fools’ errand. The length of time it takes for a quarterback to really learn a playbook would make a mid-season trade irrelevant. So whether you’re a Baker Mayfield fan, Case Keenum fan, both, or neither, the odds you’re getting a new quarterback right now are slim to none.

So who else could be coming in? Let’s discuss.

Three positions the Browns should look to bolster

Safeties

Ronnie Harrison is playing awfully. John Johnson is playing awfully. Grant Delpit is playing awfully. Richard LeCounte is playing fine but he’s also getting in trouble. Cleveland need help. Clearly Delpit isn’t what many hoped he’d be and Harrison took a big old step back from 2020. The Browns need someone consistent because they don’t have anyone.

Wide Receivers

Whether you’re team Odell Beckham or not, you have to admit the Brownies only having one receiver they can regularly rely on (Jarvis Landry) is not the way to go. Cleveland has got to do better with getting consistent pass-catchers because right now the Browns are struggling to find receivers who are actually open.

Linebackers

This may not be as big of a factor after Mack Wilson started to play well. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is dealing with some issues physically and the Browns could use depth. Anthony Walker has even stepped up a bit from week to week and Sione Takitaki isn’t making game-changing plays like Owusu-Koramoah is, but he’s the most consistent linebacker they have and arguably their best cover guy. That said, they could use some help with depth.