The Cleveland Browns have begun the 2023 NFL season strong, exiting Week 3 with a 27-3 defensive masterclass against the Tennessee Titans. The solid 2-1 start to the campaign has filled the fanbase with optimism, making it seem like a potential Super Bowl run isn't that much of a pipedream.
But as good as the Browns have looked, we're far from perfect. There are still glaring issues that must be addressed — especially if we hope to compete with the NFL's other top teams.
Fortunately, there's still more than a month to go until the Oct. 31 trade deadline. That gives general manager Andrew Berry more than enough time to add some pieces to help round out the roster ahead of a potential deep playoff run.
Here are three early trade deadline targets to help the Browns make a Super Bowl run.
3 Browns Trade Deadline Targets
1. Mike Evans, WR
With Nick Chubb sidelined for the season, a bigger emphasis has been put on the Browns' passing game. Unfortunately, the aerial attack hasn't been too impressive to begin the year as Cleveland is only averaging 205.7 passing yards (No. 21) on a 63.7% completion rate (No. 23).
A big part of those struggles has to do with a lackluster wide receiver room. The Browns' wideouts only have one touchdown between them in three games. On top of that, Amari Cooper (81.0) and Elijah Moore (42.7) are the only WRs averaging more than 22.7 receiving yards per game.
So yeah, the Browns could use someone like Mike Evans to help improve the situation.
The 30-year-old veteran is one of the most consistent WRs of the last decade, recording 1,000 yards in each of his first nine seasons. He's currently on pace for more than 2,000 receiving yards this season and while that isn't sustainable, it shows that he can be the game-changer we desperately need.
Even though the Tampa Bay Buccaneers might not be keen on trading him after their strong start, he's a free agent at the end of the year. It'd be wise to trade him by the deadline rather than lose him for nothing, which is why Berry shouldn't hesitate to call Tampa Bay GM Jason Licht.
After all, Evans' arrival could even be the key to unlocking Deshaun Watson's elite form.
2. Jonathan Taylor, RB
After Chubb went down in Week 2, second-year RB Jerome Ford stepped up by rushing for 106 yards on 16 carries. At the time, it seemed like the Browns would be just fine without their lead rusher.
Unfortunately, our run game left a lot to be desired against the Titans one week later. Cleveland rushed the ball 31 times for a putrid 78 yards against Tennessee, averaging just 2.5 yards per carry. There wasn't even a single Brown who rushed for the 30-yard mark as Pierre Strong led the way with 27.
Even the freshly signed Kareem Hunt looked rusty in his 2023 debut, turning five carries into only 13 yards.
If the underwhelming performance wasn't a one-off situation, it'd be in the Browns' best interest to make a play for the Indianapolis Colts' Jonathan Taylor. The dynamic rusher is currently on the PUP list and ineligible to play until Week 5 after requesting a trade during the offseason.
The Browns' offense needs an elite workhorse like Chubb to reach its full potential and Taylor is the next best thing. The 24-year-old RB has rushed for 3,841 yards and 33 TDs over 43 career games, hauling in an additional 802 yards and three touchdowns through the air.
It's also a long-term deal if Cleveland isn't certain about Chubb's ability to bouncer-back in 2024.
Taylor is an easy upgrade over anyone in our RB room and would add another offensive weapon that opponents must respect. While the Browns can certainly make the playoffs with their current crop, JT28 is someone who can take us from postseason hopefuls to legitimate championship contenders.
Besides, with over $35.9 million in cap space, the Browns have more than enough money to take a risk like this.
3. Garett Bolles, OT
After his team was stomped 70-20 by the Miami Dolphins in Week 3, Denver Broncos offensive tackle Garett Bolles is tired of losing. After all, he's yet to experience a single winning season since being drafted to the Mile High City in 2017.
With the Broncos looking like they're in complete disarray, I'd like to see the Browns attempt to land Bolles. Our left tackle situation needs improvement. Jedrick Willis Jr. isn't the answer at the position, allowing two sacks (tied for 6th-most in NFL) and a 47.3 Pro Football Focus grade across 232 offensive snaps.
Willis just hasn't shown much urgency when it comes to pass protection and if his current play continues, Watson is at constant risk of being hurt.
Bolles, who was named second-team All-Pro in 2020, would be a huge upgrade over Willis. The former Utah Ute has never been graded worse than 69.7 on PFF and has only allowed seven sacks across 2,402 offensive snaps taken over the last four seasons.
Improving the offensive line is crucial to helping the Browns' passing and run games have success throughout the 2023 NFL season. Adding Bolles to the unit would be a major improvement, especially if winning Super Bowl LVIII is our main goal.
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