The Cleveland Browns haven’t been in a position of having too many talented players very often. Instead, often the Browns have been trying to pick up players waived or cut by better teams.
Everything is different in 2021 in Cleveland. Expectations are high, proof is littered throughout the successful 2020 season and the team has continued to add talent across the roster. All of that could lead to some very difficult decisions for the Browns when it comes to formalizing their opening 53-man roster.
That doesn’t mean general manager Andrew Berry will not continue to look to add talent. While the roster has a lot of quality players, there are still areas of need that the team could address.
A recent NFL trade rumor includes that the Houston Texans have been talking trades related to two of their defenders:
Two #Texans players being heavily discussed in league circles as trade candidates, per sources: pass rusher Shaq Lawson and safety Lonnie Johnson. Both players are used to prominent playing time but are second on Houston’s depth chart as of now.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 27, 2021
Lawson was brought over from Miami in a trade this offseason after signing a three-year, $30 million deal with the Dolphins in the 2020 offseason. After stumbling early in his career, Lawson had 6.5 sacks his final season with the Buffalo Bills before signing his contract with Miami.
Johnson was drafted as a cornerback in 2019 but transitioned to safety in 2020. The former second-round pick played better in the safety role but could return to corner in the right scheme.
With the Browns still looking to solidify their defensive line and having injury concerns throughout their secondary, both players could make some sense. Johnson, in particular, due to his age, upside, position and positional flexibility could be a prime target for Berry.
While Cleveland may not want to pay a high price in draft picks, the Texans and Browns could figure out a player-for-player deal with a draft pick to sweeten the pot for Houston. Having Johnson’s versatility while awaiting Grant Delpit’s return from injury could be very helpful early in the season.
With a stacked roster, it is likely that Berry gets some offers for players he may cut. Instead of stocking up with draft picks, it will be interesting if Cleveland adds talent in trades instead.