Rumors are flowing but how many from the Browns roster are actually untouchable heading into the NFL trade deadline?
With the NFL trade deadline less than 48 hours from now, it’s time for the Cleveland Browns to accept reality. At 2-7, they are in the running to secure the top pick in next year’s draft, and this season is a lost cause.
General Manager Andrew Berry and the front office will need to attempt to get draft capital in return for the league’s most cash-expensive roster that has failed miserably. Let’s examine the roster to determine who should be “untouchable,” different from the “untradeable” list we made a month ago.
First, we should acknowledge that there are multiple reasons that a certain player could be considered as such. Perhaps they are a top player at their position and too valuable, or maybe they are young and promising, and the draft pick you could get in return wouldn’t net you a sure thing.
The following players are the guys that Berry should essentially hang up the phone when receiving phone calls about:
DE Myles Garrett
Garrett is the best defender in the NFL and his dominance emerged again on Sunday with his three-sack performance.
CB Denzel Ward
Despite the concussion worries, Ward has had a great season overall and is a top-five player at the position. He’s a key piece of this roster for the foreseeable future.
TE David Njoku
If the Browns could ever solve the quarterback position, the tight end has the potential to be one of the game’s best. He is still on the right side of thirty and is still in his prime.
LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
Owusu-Koramoah has become the emotional leader of our defense and has shined in the last two seasons. He is a foundational piece of this team moving forward.
DT Mike Hall Jr.
Hall looks like an elite talent as an interior pass rusher and if he can stay out of trouble off the field, he could have the makings of a future All-Pro.
WR Cedric Tillman
Since the Amari Cooper trade, Tillman has emerged as a potential number-one receiver. He is a building block moving forward and has earned a starting role next season.
OT Dawand Jones
For Jones, this is more about the potential he has to be the long-term answer at left tackle. It seems that his weight may have played a factor early in the season as he was coming back from injury. Staying healthy will be the most important factor moving forward.
That is my list of players that I would not consider trading. There are others that I am happy to have on the roster, such as Wyatt Teller, Martin Emerson, or Grant Delpit, but I could be talked into trading either for a second-round pick.
Many will read this and say what about Nick Chubb and Joel Bitonio, but holding on to either in favor of a reasonable draft pick in return is emotional and not logical. That said, I completely understand keeping both, especially at a time when your relationship with the fans is a little volatile.
Now, let’s hear from you. Do you agree with this list? Who else would you consider “untouchable” or who would you consider trading? Comment below to let us know.