4:13pm: Given the nature of Njoku’s contract, it would come as a surprise if he were to be dealt. Indeed, Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz reports the Browns are “highly unlikely” to authorize a swap before tomorrow afternoon. One of the deadline’s top storylines will be the interest generated in Njoku and several other Browns seen as attractive to contending teams.
10:05am: Sunday’s loss dropped the Browns to 2-7 on the year. The team has already dealt away Amari Cooper, and more moves could be coming. A trade sending edge rusher Za’Darius Smith to the Lions may be in place, and other names on both sides of the ball will be worth watching. 
Cleveland has discussed trading away not only Smith but also cornerback Greg Newsome, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer writes. The latter was mentioned as a potential trade candidate this offseason, although nothing emerged on that front. Newsome has been a key member of the Browns’ secondary during his tenure, logging 42 starts and his fifth-year option was picked up during the spring.
As a result, the 24-year-old is scheduled to earn $13.38MM, a notable commitment on the Browns’ part or that of a team capable of acquiring him before the trade deadline. Cleveland already has Denzel Ward attached to one of the league’s most lucrative CB contracts ($20.1MM per year), and Martin Emerson Jr. will be eligible for an extension this offseason. The 2022 third-rounder racked up an impressive 29 pass deflections across his first two seasons in the league, and he has added five to that total (along with a forced fumble) in 2024.
Keeping Ward in place while also committing to a new Emerson contract would make it difficult to extend Newsome. The Northwestern product expressed in May his desire to remain in Cleveland well beyond 2025. At that point, however, no extension talks were taking place and there has not been a known change in that respect since. Absorbing the remainder of his $2.4MM base salary for this season would be feasible for contenders seeking help in the secondary, but a steep rise in compensation (which is guaranteed in full) next year could limit his trade market.
Elsewhere on the Browns’ roster, Elijah Moore could also be a name to watch on the trade front. The fourth-year receiver has been on the trade block for weeks, Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reports. Moore is a pending free agent, so Cleveland could look to add draft capital if the team does not envision retaining him this spring. That was the case with Cooper, although at the age of 24 Moore’s situation is notably different. The former Jets second-rounder did not live up to expectations during his two seasons in New York, but the move to Cleveland resulted in a career year last campaign (59 catches, 640 yards, two touchdowns).
Moore has been held without a touchdown catch in 2024, but he has remained a regular in the passing attack with a 74% snap share. The Ole Miss product could represent a depth addition to a contending team on a rental basis if the Browns receive a relatively strong offer. An acquiring team would be on the hook for the prorated remainder of Moore’s $3.12MM base salary.
Another Browns pass-catcher who could be on the move is David Njoku, according to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio (video link). The Pro Bowl tight end has been a steady contributor on offense for much of his eight-year career, and last season he set new benchmarks in receptions (81), yards (882) and touchdowns (six). Despite the arrival of wideout Jerry Jeudy in the offseason, Njoku has remained a key target in the passing game with 43 targets in six games. He is under contract through 2025, and while his base salary that year is only $1.26MM he is owed a $6.56MM option bonus on September 1.
Like with Newsome, any acquiring team would therefore have a decision to make on the contract front if Njoku were to be moved before tomorrow’s deadline. Moore’s status as a rental could make him more attractive to buyers, but in any case it will be interesting to see if the Browns become willing to part with any of those players.
They have to start thinking about the season when they deal with Watson’s dead money anyway. Might as well get some assets while they have value now and prepare for the inevitable rebuild.
Im.l always fascinated by the strategy of a GM in this situation.
On one hand – it makes sense to get something for these pieces. The season is lost. You also need to start thinking post Watson QB.
On the other hand – This guy is most certainly fired. He is setting the stage for someone else to fix the team?
I can be an argument to keep him – “hey look what I did to rebuild next year! You should give me one more year!”
Personally I think the GM has done a pretty good job except for the Watson fiasco.
I suspect in this situation the decision is largely made by the owner.
Its a no-win situation for everyone in Cleveland. But you gotta make sure the GM can really evaluate talent.
Bruh trade Moore to chiefs and get stock
Ward would be an incredibly attractive trade piece for some team, as would Newsome. There are quite a few teams that could use a corner right now, and both players are young enough to potentially earn second contracts.
In addition, Njoku could be a great piece for a young quarterback. Denver needs to take a look in my opinion, though they’re definitely not the only ones. Carolina is probably not looking into trades, but Njoku could be a wonderful addition for Young (or his successor), albeit on a team with a high probability of at least one more bad year ahead.
I think that Conklin would be the best trade piece though, if he’s getting moved. The Jets (who actually have too many tackles, but none with consistency) should be interested if so, but there are quite a few teams who could use him. Their division rival Patriots certainly need someone at that spot for Maye. The problem with all of these trades is that the Browns waited until the eleventh hour to decide to sell-teams are probably less comfortable making big decisions in a panic setting.
That Watson deal is going to gut this team.
It’s not. The Browns already have the most cap space in the league and they can just add avoidable years to guys who they know will be around. They won’t get rid of anyone that they would rather keep. Smith, Moore and Cooper were gone at the end of the year. They have Newsome’s replacement on the roster now in his ex Northwestern teammate
Which is a perfect reason to fire Berry.
I have no problem with that but your original comment was about the Browns getting rid of players because of Watson’s cap space. They’re getting rid of players that were no longer going to be on the team next year.
If I’m the Browns I make all these trades…. you can sign guys this off season. Time to get back some draft capital.