Three Smart Trades the Browns Should Make

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For the first time in a while, there is much optimism around this 2018 Cleveland Browns squad. John Dorsey and Co. have done an excellent job at acquiring talent in free agency, the draft and even several trades. While many new talented players have been added to the roster, the Browns are far from a finished product. With John Dorsey’s willingness to make trades this past offseason, what’s to say he won’t be on the phones with a few more teams before the season starts?

Here are a few smart trades the Browns would be wise to make:

1. Colts’ LT Anthony Castonzo for WR Corey Coleman, 2019 2^nd and 3^rd round picks

This is some wishful thinking on my end for this to happen. I have not heard rumors that Indy is willing to trade Castonzo, but here is why it would make sense for the Colts to do this. Castonzo has two years left on his deal until he hits free agency. Once Castonzo becomes a free agent, he will be asking for big money. Are the Colts willing to pay that? Who knows. What I do know is that the Browns will have the cap to do so. Another reason for the Colts to do this is that they are in a full-on rebuild. The other three teams in their division (HOU, JAX and TEN) are all competing for playoff spots. This leaves Indy as a bottom-dweller. For the Browns, this move is simple. They need someone to replace Joe Thomas and last year Castonzo was a top-10 left tackle in the NFL. This addition would give the Browns a top offensive line to go along with the other improved position groups. The compensation for Castonzo is fair, where we give Indy three promising assets for the future.

2. Seahawks’ DT Jarran Reed for TE Seth Devalve, 2019 6^th and 2020 7^th round picks

The Legion of Boom has finally ended for the Seattle Seahawks and it would be wise of them to ‘retool’ their defense. Reed, out of Alabama, has played solid in his two years in Seattle, but the Browns need his talents more. The Seahawks would make this deal because of their depth already at the position, along with the need for some offensive weapons. Seattle lost Jimmy Graham this past offseason, so a receiving threat is needed at TE. Devalve would provide that as he showed promise in his first couple years in Cleveland. The Browns need another defensive tackle to provide the run stopping ability Danny Shelton showed before he was traded this offseason.

3. Cardinals’ DE Chandler Jones for LB Joe Schobert, 2020 3^rd round pick

Here is my craziest proposed trade, but hear me out first. The Cardinals are in a division where the three other teams are in a position to make the playoffs. Chandler Jones isn’t getting any younger at 28 years old. What does a pass rusher in the later end of his prime do for a bad team? He provides trade value. The Cardinals would be able to trade him to the Browns for a young Pro Bowler in Joe Schobert along with a future pick. For the Browns, this is very aggressive, but I would love it. Getting a Pro Bowl talent in Jones to pair with and mentor Myles Garrett would be exactly what we need. He also has a winning pedigree playing in New England before joining Arizona. As for losing Joe Schobert? It’s tough to think about, but we already have three starting linebackers without him. I believe the addition of Jones would make this defense scary for this upcoming season and beyond.