Browns roster has players teams are interested in but, seemingly, not at the going rate
So far on NFL trade deadline day, based on reports, the Cleveland Browns have dealt away DE Za’Darius Smith to the Detroit Lions and released DT Quinton Jefferson. Both Smith and Jefferson were free agents this offseason before they were added to the Browns roster including Smith choosing to re-sign.
Rumors have a variety of Cleveland players available for trade including TE David Njoku. We reported that the Washington Commanders were interested in CB Greg Newsome II and OL Jack Conklin had been discussed.
The Smith rumors were the strongest over the last few weeks since WR Amari Cooper was traded. The veteran defensive end’s contract made a trade easier than some of the higher-paid players on the team.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Browns are done making moves with a few hours to go until the deadline hits:
The #Browns are most likely done making moves at the deadline, I’m told. Had talks but nothing else came together save Za’Darius Smith deal.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) November 5, 2024
It will be interesting if we get reports on who was involved in the “talks” Fowler notes above as Cleveland’s roster had 20 players set for free agency when the day began.
Are you surprised the Browns are done? Should they have lowered asking prices if teams were interested or stuck to their guns so as to not be weak in negotiations in the future?