Cleveland Browns can be interesting trade partners for Miami Dolphins

The Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins made a big trade last off-season, but could they connect to make another big trade or two this off-season?

The Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins started a crazy off-season last year when they put together a trade that sent wide receiver Jarvis Landry to Cleveland. The two sides were able to make the deal behind the scenes, making the announcement of the trade a surprise to many.

One year later, the Browns and Dolphins are in two different positions. The Browns are looking to add more talent to make a push for the playoffs in 2019. But the Dolphins are on the other end of the spectrum and appear ready to start rebuilding.

The Dolphins are starting to make moves to clear cap space and moving on from veterans to fuel their rebuild. This is where the Cleveland Browns could come in and help the Dolphins clear some of that cap space.

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The Browns have the assets and money to explore making a move for some of the Miami Dolphins veterans. In the Browns case, there is one player on each side of the ball for the Dolphins that should interest them. However, there remains questions about if the Dolphins will be willing to move on from these players.

On the offensive side of the ball, Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills should be of great interest for the Browns. He has great speed that helps him create separation and get over the top of defenses. He is also a crisp route runner that helps him make plays happen in the middle of the field.

In 2018, Stills caught 37 passes for 553 yards and six touchdowns. The season prior, Stills caught 58 passes for 847 yards and six touchdowns.

At 26-years-old, Stills may fit into what Dolphins are attempting build despite trying to move on from pricey veterans. Stills is due $15 million over the next two seasons, but the Dolphins can save $8 million if they trade him after June 1.

With his ability to create separation and his speed, the Browns could use Stills’ abilities. They have extra selections in the third and fifth round so they have extra assets to make a potential deal. If the Dolphins are willing to make a deal for Stills, the Browns should be calling.

The other player that the Browns should make a call about is cornerback Xavien Howard. Howard emerged as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL last season. The 25-year-old intercepted seven passes, 12 passes defended, and made 35 total tackles in only 12 games.

Howard has one year remaining on his rookie deal, leading to belief that the Dolphins will explore trading the ball hawk instead of giving him a big second contract. With how well he played, Howard has a good chance of making around $14 million a year during his next contract.

However, it appears that the Dolphins are keen on re-signing Howard and have reportedly started extension talks. But if the extension talks fall apart and the Dolphins start exploring Howard’s value on the trade market, Cleveland should consider making Howard Denzel Ward’s running mate.

As the way things seem to be trending, it seems much more likely that Miami holds on to Howard. And it would make more sense for them to also keep Stills instead of trading the wide receiver.

But the Browns have already built a relationship with the Dolphins front office and have managed to work out a deal. So if the Dolphins explore the trade market to see what they could get for Howard and/or Stills, then the Browns could be a likely trading partner.