Bold Predictions for Cleveland Browns at 2026 NFL Trade Deadline

The Nov. 10 NFL trade deadline is less than three weeks away, which means it's decision time for teams around the league.

That includes the 4-2 Cleveland Browns.

It isn't often that the Browns are considered buyers at the trade deadline, but their place in the standings puts them in that position. Andrew Berry could look at this start as the team's best opportunity to compete in a long time and decide to get aggressive.

At the same time, the Browns have a few tradeable assets who could bring back some trade capital or cap relief over the next few seasons.

Here are a few bold predictions as the deadline approaches over the next few weeks.

Jerry Jeudy Isn't Going Anywhere

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

Jerry Jeudy

The Browns might be in a good position at 4-2, but Jerry Jeudy has been a tough watch at times this season. The veteran receiver has been downright MIA on more than one occasion this year.

His early struggles made him a popular trade candidate. Jeudy had just two catches over the first three games and was clearly passed up by Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion.

The trade speculation got to the point where it was reported that the Browns wanted a third- or fourth-round pick for the veteran receiver.

The problem is that Jeudy has shown his worth to the Browns over the last few weeks. His production might not live up to his contract, but he had four catches for 69 yards in the win over the Ravens including the key catch that set up the game-winning field goal.

The reality is that Jeudy is the best option outside of Concepcion and Boston on the roster. Isaiah Bond and Tylan Wallace have both had opportunities to take over the role and no one has stepped up.

Even if the Browns' 4-2 record isn't enough to make them a buyer, the receiver room just isn't deep enough to trade a veteran of Jeudy's ability.

Shedeur Sanders Finds a New Home

AP Photo/Kirk Irwin

Shedeur Sanders

Jerry Jeudy has come up a lot in trade rumors and speculation. Shedeur Sanders is the other name that always comes up.

While it's hard to see them dealing Jeudy when he's actually carved out a role over the last few weeks, the same can't be said for Sanders.

Early in the season, it seemed Sanders was in a legitimate quarterback competition. Deshaun Watson got the nod, but if things went off the rails, it wasn't hard to see them going to Sanders to start.

At 4-2 with Watson playing well enough for the Browns to win games, that seems less likely. Meanwhile, Sanders hired an agent for the first time in his NFL career.

The Athletic's Jonathan Jones reported, based on his discussions with people around the league and Browns officials, it would be a surprise if Sanders were moved prior to the trade deadline.

There are surprises at the deadline all the time, though.

The Browns postponed a decision on their four-quarterback situation by placing Dillon Gabriel on injured reserve earlier in the year. However, they opened his 21-day practice window on October 6, meaning they must either activate him or leave him on injured reserve for the rest of the season.

Keeping Sanders, Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green might be feasible for a week if they need to facilitate a deal, but having four quarterbacks on the 53-man roster is not ideal.

If the Browns can flip Sanders for a draft pick, it would make sense to do so in the coming weeks. They aren't benching Watson soon and they'll need to reevalute the position next season.

A Tight End Is Coming

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

One of the most underrated needs on the roster right now is a blocking tight end. In an offseason where much of the league was trying to add at the position and to run 13 personnel (one running back, three tight ends), the Browns currently have just two on the active roster.

Harold Fannin has been underwhelming in the receiving game. He has just 166 yards on 19 receptions on the season thus far, but it's not really his fault. He's getting open on routes, but he's not getting targeted as often and he's had to play in-line tight end more often.

The Browns are using 11 personnel at the fourth-highest rate in the league, leaving only one tight end on the field in those sets. Adding a dependable blocking tight end could give Cleveland more flexibility in how it deploys Fannin.

He's getting open. His abilities as a receiver haven't suddenly disappeared. However, Blake Whiteheart doesn't stand out as a blocker so the Browns have preferred their three-receiver sets.

The solution could come at the trade deadline. Trades for tight ends aren't common, but the cost has typically been a Day 3 pick. Nick Vannett, Brevin Jordan and Tyler Conklin are all veterans with expiring contracts and a low snap count for their current team.

The Browns Will Be a Playoff Team

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Todd Monken

The Browns are 28th in the league in time with a lead, so it's definitely fair to say they are a little more flawed than your average 4-2 team.

Yet, they continue to find ways to win. It hasn't been pretty, but they have AFC North wins over the Steelers and Ravens. Both could wind up being important down the stretch when the playoff picture takes shape.

The reality is that the Browns are setting themselves up for a run at the postseason, even if it's ahead of their timeline as an organization.

The defense is for real. The defensive front continues to generate pressure on the quarterback in the post-Myles Garrett era. The Browns are second in the league in sacks and are seventh in scoring defense.

The schedule is going to continue to give the Browns a chance to overachieve. They have four games until the bye week and the only team with a winning record in that stretch is Pittsburgh at 4-2.

It might get ugly if the Browns reach the postseason, but Todd Monken's team has a better chance of getting there than the average fan might think.