It's Time for the Browns to Shake It Up

by Liam Willerup | UMiami

    A recent discussion I brought onto our last podcast was the Cleveland Browns and their struggles this season. Former #1 pick from Oklahoma Baker Mayfield was the player that I highlighted as the problem in Cleveland this season. Despite an elite running game no matter the running back out there, Baker has simply regressed as a QB after last season. He is on pace for his worst statistical season of his career, even when this is the best team he has had in his career. Without OBJ has been when Baker's stats have looked the best, and no matter when he was on or off the field he's been bad. He currently has his lowest YPG and QBR of his career, while only having 11 TDs and 6 INT and 6 fumbles this season. With pressure for the Browns to deliver, it may look like Baker can't be that guy to deliver a championship to Cleveland. So let's say the Browns miss or exit early in the playoffs and I'm the GM this offseason. These are moves I would look into.

Objective 1: Don't Give Baker an Extension and Explore the Market/Draft For a QB

    I entirely believe that if the Browns give Baker a $20+ million extension, it will be a move that will set this franchise back far in their chances to become a real contender. The last case scenario should be giving Baker a 1 year prove it deal if they can't make a move. But what are some moves I think they should do? The number one player on my list is Deshaun Watson, assuming he is cleared to play. I believe that the Browns would immediately become in the same tier as a team like the Bills with this move. Watson is a Top 5 QB when he's on the field no doubt. So what would a trade look like for the Texans Star? I'd do something like this:

    I believe that giving them a young corner with potential to be a star, a star offensive lineman, Baker as insurance, and three draft picks, I could see the Texans agreeing to this deal. This deal might take one more Day 2 draft pick, but I believe a package like this keeps the Browns just as competitive and gives the Texans a good package for Watson. However, Watson will need to agree to the deal first, but I think he'd take the offer to join a division going up against some of the best week in week out. But if Watson doesn't work out, I think there are two more QBs they should go out and try to get. Sticking with the trades, I think they should call up Las Vegas and see if they would move on from Carr with the right package. Carr to me is essentially a better version of Mayfield, who has better physical tools and has a better resume. I'd imagine the Raiders would look for a package in the range of two starting caliber players and one first and a low Day 2 early Day 3 pick. I think the Raiders wouldn't be dumb to make a move like this, giving them a chance to get Mariota out there, and receive more talent onto their roster with future picks as well. Lastly, I think if the Browns strike out on Watson and Carr, they should look into the draft. If they stay at their current draft spot, a player like Kenny Pickett will definitely be gone by then. I could see them trading down and taking a bet on a guy like Sam Howell, Matt Corral or a real flyer on someone like Carson Strong or Bailey Zappe. If they do go after a rookie, I believe they need to keep Baker on a one year deal or get a QB that can play the transition role for them to let the QB work his way in. But I also think they need to address some other things.

Objective 2: Bring in a Wide Receiver to Give The New QB a Playmaker on The Outside

    Sure, this team might be able to succeed without great wide receiver play on the outside. Many point to OBJ not being very impactful to their success, but I believe that the relationship there was confusing from the start. I think the Browns need to look at some wide receivers this offseason that can help bolster this unit to make sure it doesn't become a liability to them in the future. So who are some guys I like for the Browns to get to go with a new QB. The journeyman himself Brandin Cooks seems like a perfect guy for this team. A player who seems to always find his way to a 1,000 yard season wherever he goes, Cooks can make an impact as a deep threat but also be a safety blanket for the QB. Even without Watson this year, Cooks has been effective with the likes of Davis Mills and Tyrod Taylor. Cooks shouldn't be too high of a price, and could add a real veteran presence with Jarvis in this receiving group. Another WR I would want to see in Cleveland would be Allen Robinson. The good thing with him is you wouldn't have to give up an assets for him, as he seems to be headed towards free agency this year. Robinson has showed every season besides this one that he is one of the most underrated receivers in the NFL. Robinson hasn't seemed to get it going this year, meaning his market value could be relatively inexpensive for the Browns. He'd be able to be a reception machine for them, and make big plays when Cleveland is forced to throw the ball. Lastly, I think the Browns should look at a player like Michael Gallup. It seems like Dallas has a solid two headed monster with CeeDee and Amari, and Gallup has been the odd man out. He's been good as of late, only because Amari and CeeDee has been out of the lineup. Dallas can't afford to pay someone like Gallup, and a team like Cleveland should step in to get a guy who has gone over 1,000 and has the potential to be a WR1 in Cleveland. Again, he should probably have a low market value since he's a WR3 on his team, but Cleveland could use his skills on the outside. He's not going to demand a crazy amount of targets, but will be a threat to go off whenever.

Objective 3: Resign Clowney and Walker Jr. / Extend Denzel and Hunt

    The last move I need them to make this offseason is to prioritize the extensions/resignings of these four players. In terms of resigning, I believe the Browns need to bring back Clowney and Walker Jr. Clowney has been a serviceable edge for the Browns, and I believe he can't find a better situation than here in Cleveland. He gets to rush opposite of the league's best edge, and gives him opportunities for plenty of one on ones. Clowney also hasn't been great, so Cleveland should be able to get him on a three year deal for about $8-9 million a year. With Walker Jr., he has been good alongside JOK, and will serve as a good piece next to the rising star. Again Walker hasn't been amazing, but this has been his first season and Cleveland should be able to get him on a team friendly deal. Looking at the extensions though, Denzel and Hunt need to come back. Denzel has shown to be one of the best corners in the league ever since his rookie season. He expires in 2023, but Cleveland should look to extend him this offseason to lockdown their franchise corner. With Hunt, he remains an elite RB when on the field as long as he keeps himself out of kicking incidents. Hunt should be looking for a decent payday, but deserves it since him and Chubb are the best RB duo in the league. 

    I believe with these moves this offseason, Cleveland should be able to bounce back better than ever next season. A new QB, improved WR room, and bringing back some key players on both sides. Baker just doesn't look like a player Cleveland can rely on, and they need to risk some assets for a chance to become an elite AFC contender.