Cleveland Browns decide to stand pat at the trade deadline

The Cleveland Browns were expected to be a busy team at the trade deadline, but general manager John Dorsey decided to stand pat.

After struggling during the first half of the 2019 regular season, the Cleveland Browns were thought to be team who would be active at the trade deadline. Instead, the Browns and general manager John Dorsey decided to keep the roster intact as is.

The Browns did trade second-year defensive end Genard Avery on Monday, receiving a 2021 fourth-round pick from the Philadelphia Eagles. After that, the Browns could not find a deal they were willing to make a move on.

Most of the talk about the Browns on Tuesday surrounded Washington Redskins left tackle Trent Williams. After Washington told teams for several weeks Williams is not available, they changed course hours before the deadline and said they would listen to offers for the 31-year-old.

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Although the Browns were looking for help on the offensive line, they reportedly felt the asking price was too high for Williams. Washington reportedly wanted a first-round pick for Williams – and it was later reported they were also wanting Denzel Ward – but the Browns were likely only willing to move mid-round selections for the left tackle, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

Williams being 31-years-old, not having practiced at all this season, having a history of injuries, as well as wanting a new contract likely played a role in the Browns not wanting to move too many assets for his services. Despite being a talented offensive lineman, there are a lot of questions about Williams to move quality assets.

But even though the Browns were expected to be buyers for Williams or other offensive linemen, there was also the possibility the team would subtract from their roster. The two names who were reportedly on the trade block were T.J. Carrie and Rashard Higgins. Both players played sparingly against the New England Patriots, leading to speculation they may be being kept off the field to reduce the chance of injury.

Instead, Cleveland decided to hold onto both players, which could prove to be a smart decision in the coming weeks. Carrie has played well in 2019 and provides solid depth at cornerback. He is also a versatile player, as he can cover both in the slot and on the outside. The Browns could choose to deploy Carrie in a variety of ways to help their defense.

Higgins was a curious name to be put on the trade block because he has proven to be a reliable receiver who has strong chemistry with Baker Mayfield. Higgins’ solid route running helps him gets open and has reliable hands, so he could instantly help the offense. But after recovering from injury, Freddie Kitchens has kept him on the sidelines, and also seemed to hint at behind-the-scenes issues with Higgins. But no matter Kitchens’ feelings, Higgins should help the Browns offense during the second half of the season.

The trade deadline may have been viewed as a dud for the Dawg Pound, but the Browns must feel comfortable about their roster. There is clearly talent, it just needs to resolve their issues on the field to show off that talent. With a weaker schedule during the second half of the season, the Browns will have chances to turn the season around.

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John Dorsey is typically an aggressive general manager, but he was clearly not comfortable with the asking price for Trent Williams. And he likely knows the value Carrie and Higgins have on the roster. Overall, Dorsey deciding to stand pat at the deadline could prove to be the wisest decision.

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