Making cases for Cleveland Browns being trade deadline buyers or sellers

Sellers

The Browns season has not gone as expected and they are dealing with a variety of issues across the entire team. No matter the moves they make at the trade deadline, it is hard to imagine them hitting a rapid turnaround and making the playoffs. They would need to have a similar run the Colts went on last season to win the wild card.

In that case, the Browns could decide to unload some of their depth at cornerback or move some of their young talent who are presumably in the doghouse. The Browns have already moved on from Avery, who played only five snaps for the Browns all season.

The two players who are reportedly on the block are T.J. Carrie and Rashard Higgins. Carrie spent most of the season as a starting cornerback while Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams nursed hamstring injuries. Higgins dealt with his own injury, but has rarely been on the field even though he is apparently healthy.

Carrie played well as a starter and has the versatility to play outside or in the slot. He is also a veteran cornerback teams may want as their No. 3 cornerback. The only downfall for teams would be Carrie’s high base salary.

Higgins is a surprising name because of his breakout 2018 season, but he is clearly in Freddie Kitchens’ doghouse. Despite being healthy and being Mayfield’s favorite target, Higgins only saw the field in garbage time against the Patriots and did not play a snap against the Seahawks. Due to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, Higgins may not have much of a future in Cleveland.

Although the Browns have pieces they could unload at the deadline, Dorsey is likely not ready to call it quits on the season. There is serious talent on this roster, and Dorsey may believe the team is a few fixes away from going on a run. So it seems extremely unlikely the Browns will be sellers at the deadline.