As the Cleveland Browns prepare for the 2024 NFL season, the team's front office is undoubtedly focused on making strategic moves to elevate the roster to championship contention. The Browns are now in a position where a few critical trades could make all the difference. By targeting key players who can fill specific needs, the Browns can ensure they have the depth and star power necessary to compete at the highest level. Here, we look at three ideal trade targets that could round out the Browns' roster: Najee Harris, Marshon Lattimore, and Budda Baker.
The Browns' 2023 Season
The 2023 season marked the Browns' fourth season under the leadership of head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry. The team made significant strides, improving on their 7–10 record from the previous year to finish with an 11–6 record. They booked their first winning season and playoff berth since 2020.
Throughout the season, the Browns used five different starting quarterbacks: Deshaun Watson, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, PJ Walker, Joe Flacco, and Jeff Driskel. This was a franchise record for the most starting quarterbacks in a single season and the highest number for any team since the 1987 New England Patriots. Despite their playoff appearance, the Browns were decisively defeated by the Houston Texans in the Wild Card Round. Joe Flacco earned the Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year award, but he signed with the Indianapolis Colts during the offseason.
Here we'll look at the three players whom the Cleveland Browns can consider their best target targets to round out the 2024 roster.
Najee Harris, RB
The Pittsburgh Steelers recently declined Najee Harris' fifth-year option. This indicated that the running back is not in their long-term plans. This move provides the team with a bit more than $2.4 million in cap relief while incurring approximately $1.7 million in dead cap. The Steelers have significant depth in the backfield with Jaylen Warren and free-agent acquisition Cordarrelle Patterson.
Given these circumstances, trading Harris for draft picks makes strategic sense for the Steelers. They would be offloading a player likely to depart in the offseason while bolstering their future assets. Harris' dual-threat capability as both a traditional runner and a receiver out of the backfield would provide the Browns' offense with unmatched flexibility. His presence would ease the burden on the passing game and create play-action opportunities for quarterback Deshaun Watson. In the competitive AFC North, a backfield featuring Harris, Nick Chubb, and Jerome Ford could be crucial for dominating divisional rivals. Acquiring Harris would likely require a significant trade package, though. This would include draft picks and possibly a player or two. That said, the potential rewards for the Browns could be substantial.
Marshon Lattimore, CB
Ahead of the NFL draft, speculation arose about the potential availability of New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore. While General Manager Mickey Loomis did not explicitly confirm Lattimore's availability, he did not dismiss the rumors either. The emergence of Paulson Adebo along with the second-round draft pick of cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, suggests the Saints might consider a trade.
Trading Lattimore after June 1 would save the Saints nearly $4 million in cap space this year and over $20 million in each of the next two seasons. Additionally, the return for Lattimore would likely be substantial. Adding Lattimore to the Browns' roster would significantly bolster their secondary, which has been plagued by inconsistency and injuries. Pairing him with Denzel Ward would form one of the NFL's most formidable cornerback tandems. This would improve the pass defense and give the front seven more time to pressure quarterbacks. Although acquiring Lattimore would be costly, his ability to shut down receivers and generate turnovers could be transformative for Cleveland's defense.
Budda Baker, S
Budda Baker requested a trade last year. However, the Arizona Cardinals opted to give him a raise, keeping him on the team amid ongoing trade speculations. With Baker in the final year of his contract, the Cardinals should consider the benefits of trading him. Not only would they save $15.1 million in cap space. They could also receive a valuable asset for a player who might leave for nothing next spring. Moreover, the Cardinals are unlikely to be strong playoff contenders in the tough NFC West, even with Baker on the roster.
Baker's arrival in Cleveland would immediately enhance their secondary. He would give them a dependable safety capable of covering tight ends and running backs. Baker would support the run defense and contribute to the pass rush. His leadership and intensity would galvanize the entire defensive unit, fostering a more aggressive and cohesive team. Trading for Baker would require significant assets, including draft picks and possibly a young player. However, the potential benefits are considerable. Baker's versatile playmaking ability would give the Browns the defensive anchor they need to compete with the high-powered offenses in the AFC. This would make them a more formidable contender in the upcoming season.
Looking Ahead
Targeting Najee Harris, Marshon Lattimore, and Budda Baker in trades could be the key to the Cleveland Browns' 2024 success. Each player addresses a critical need and brings a unique skill set that would enhance the team's overall performance. Yes, the cost of acquiring such high-caliber talent would be steep. However, the potential rewards – including a deeper playoff run and perhaps a Super Bowl appearance – make these moves not only desirable but necessary. As the Browns aim to build on their 2023 momentum, these strategic trades could be the final pieces of the puzzle in their quest for NFL supremacy.
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