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The Cleveland Browns are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, but it's resulted in a mixed bag in terms of wins and losses in 2021. They currently sit at 4-3, which is good for 3rd in the AFC North, and one game behind each of the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals for 1st.
They've suffered a bevy of injuries lately, but there were still glaring holes for this team even in their healthier contests – losses against the Los Angeles Chargers and Arizona Cardinals. Justin Herbert and Kyler Murray each torched the Browns secondary for 4 touchdowns with no takeaways on highly efficient passing, while spreading the ball around to facilitate big games for multiple receivers in each.
The Browns' struggles in coverage seem to be their only problem of major concern, as they're a well-oiled machine on offense, can get after the quarterback with the best of 'em, and they've been top-5 in terms of least total rushing yards allowed and least yards per carry allowed.
For that reason, the Browns should be hunting for defensive backs on the trade market, if they want to take the next step from playoff team to Super Bowl contender. Here are 2 trades that will take them to that level.
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Browns Trades
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Joe Haden – Cornerback, Pittsburgh Steelers
Yes, Haden had an ugly end to his long career in Cleveland. However, time heals all wounds, and Haden would certainly like the opportunity to move from the middling Steelers to an exciting contender like the Browns. Back when he was in his prime in Cleveland, none of his teams were any close to as talented as the Browns are now, and it would certainly ignite a fire in him to elevate his game. Not that his game needs any elevating, however, as Pro Football Focus graded him as the league's 17th-best outside cornerback back in their 2021 preseason installment of rankings.
With dangerous receivers like Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Marquise Brown, Chase Claypool, and Dionte Johnson to deal with in the division, the Browns could use his services more than perhaps any player right now.
Marcus Maye – Safety, New York Jets
As we saw so many times during the Chargers and Cardinals game, the Browns have trouble getting exploited for easy throws deep down the field. While that's sometimes due to simply getting beat, it is more often the product of a blown coverage that stems from the Browns getting fooled by a creative play design. That's where Marcus Maye comes in. As one of the league's most savvy defensive backs, he would provide an instant upgrade in Cleveland. In addition to great coverage instincts and ball skills, he can play the run well and even rush the passer, as he's got a sack under his belt this year. He would cost a good amount of talent or draft capital to acquire, but the Browns have several big talents at receiver they could give up, like Odell Beckham Jr.
No amount of transactions can make a team perfect, but a Browns team that makes these two deals would come pretty darn close.
