The NFL trade deadline of 2024 finds the Cleveland Browns in quite a disgruntling situation: while this season is getting out of control following quarterback Deshaun Watson’s injury, with much of their salary cap tied to his massive, fully guaranteed deal, the Browns have a choice to make between retaining their star players and embracing a full-scale rebuild. On the other hand, with rumors of possible trades involving some defensive stalwarts in Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward, and Za’Darius Smith, there are several tough choices to make. Take a look in more depth at some of the choices involved in a trade and what Cleveland might do before the deadline on November 5.
The Deshaun Watson Contract Dilemma
It’s a headache being in with Watson’s contract, which is now fully guaranteed at $230 million, consuming the lion’s share of cap space. The Browns all-inned on their franchise quarterback when they inked a deal with Watson back in 2022, but his injuries and underperformance derailed those plans. He’s out for the season now, and the massive implications of his deal mean Cleveland doesn’t have much wiggle room to make bold roster moves unless it’s meticulously planned.
The situation has put the Browns in a position where they are being forced to consider trading high-value players like Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward, and Za’Darius Smith. But which of these pieces, if moved, could help alleviate their financial burdens rather than further complicate their issues?
Myles Garrett: The Defensive Cornerstone
The hottest name in trade rumors seems to be their defensive superstar, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett. Garrett is still under contract through 2026 and was responsible for only a little more than a $20 million cap hit per year. The Browns aren’t going well, but Garrett is still one of the best in the game, and teams like the Detroit Lions-just recently losing edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson to injury-have inquired with Cleveland about acquiring his services.
Of course, trading Garrett would be a costly proposition for the Browns. His departure would leave the team on the hook for more than $40 million in dead cap-likely, crippling their poor financial flexibility even further. Word around the campfire is there have been inquiries about Garrett, but the Cleveland Browns are far from willing to give up their defensive anchor.
The trade, if it were to occur, would likely include a big-time draft package, but with the position that the season is currently in, the Browns are still not willing to make that kind of drastic move.
Denzel Ward: A Shutdown Corner with Injury Concerns
Other names that have popped up in trade talk include the Browns’ star cornerback, Denzel Ward. When healthy, he is one of the best in the league, but he does have a concerning concussion history that has given teams some pause. Still, his talent and ability to shut down top receivers would make him a valuable asset for any contender.
Teams like the Falcons and Cowboys, who both could use secondary help, have been mentioned in rumors involving Ward. Like Garrett, though, Ward’s contract complicates things: he has a big cap hit, and the Browns would need to get something significant in return to justify trading such a talented player. The chances of trading Ward are slim, but the Browns are leaving their options open ahead of the deadline.
Za’darius Smith: Most Likely to Be Traded
It’s hard to move Garrett and Ward because of their contracts. Smith is the more realistic candidate, given that not many teams will take on those types of deals. Smith has played very well this year, as he already recorded four sacks while being a really good No. 2 edge rusher. He has an extremely affordable contract at just over $5 million for the 2024 season. That makes Smith a very attractive option for teams looking to add some pass-rush depth without going overboard with money.
Recent rumors have paired Smith with the Detroit Lions, the Dallas Cowboys, and even the Chicago Bears. The Lions have made no secret of trying to find a Hutchinson replacement, and Smith’s experience and affordability make him a great fit. If the Browns are to be sellers on deadline day, Smith will be the most likely to be moved.
Salary Cap Constraints and Draft Considerations
The Browns’ salary cap is heavily influenced by their trades, given Watson’s deal takes up such a massive portion. This leaves the team with just tiny room to maneuver. Even trading players like Garrett or Ward would yield some relief but not enough to dramatically change their financial landscape.
One avenue Cleveland could look to is acquiring draft capital. They could trade away veterans such as Smith or Ward in exchange for draft picks that would give them more flexibility in the 2025 draft and beyond. The Falcons, Commanders, and Bears have been floated as potential suitors, with all possessing enough draft capital to make a legitimate offer for the best of Cleveland’s defensive talents.
Trade Scenarios and Possible Partners
Here are a few hypothetical trade scenarios involving the Browns with other NFL teams as the deadline draws closer:
*Detroit Lions: The Lions have draft capital and have been in playoff contention. They make a move for Za’Darius Smith, as he is one of the best options on the board and a logical replacement following the season-ending injury to Aidan Hutchinson.
*Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys are always in the market for defensive talent, and Ward could help solidify their secondary. However, Dallas would have to give up a strong draft package to make this work.
**Chicago Bears: The Bears are in need of pass-rushing help, and they could aim for either Smith or Ward to attempt to fix that issue on the defensive side. With their extra draft picks, they do have the assets for such a move.
*Washington Commanders: The Commanders have a need for defensive upgrades, and adding someone like Ward might help solidify a poor secondary.
A Defining Moment for Cleveland
The 2024 NFL trade deadline will be defining in the direction taken by the Cleveland Browns. The season-ending injury to Watson and the heavy financial burden on the organization leave them with little room for error. Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward are likely safe, but Za’Darius Smith is ripe to be moved. Whether Cleveland rebuilds or retools, over the course of the next week or so, there should be an excellent picture of where they go from here.
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