Cleveland Browns: 3 trade targets on Patriots as they open firesale

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Could the Cleveland Browns target a Patriots’ CB? Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

3. One of their CBs

The Patriots have four cornerbacks worth taking a look at. The are listed from least likely to most likely options for the Browns at the deadline.

Stefon Gilmore

The Patriots have apparently made the reigning Defensive Player of the Year and All-Pro cornerback Stefon Gilmore available for trade. So much so that Gilmore has reportedly put his house on the market.

However, this is not a great option for the Browns, and it is likely a deal that Berry will punt on. Not only would the Browns have to give up a top asset for an already expensive player, but he is already 30 years old. This is not a great trio of information when considering when to make a deal for a front office as thoughtful and analytical as the one in Cleveland.

J.C. Jackson

As the starting nickel cornerback for the Patriots, J.C. Jackson, a former undrafted free agent in 2018 has been thriving in New England. He has already racked up three interceptions this season, giving him 11 on his young two and a half year career. This amount of ball production cannot be taught and is not luck; Jackson possesses a high level of instincts.

At 6-foot-1, Jackson has the ability to play outside the numbers as well, but he would come at a high price to pay. He becomes a restricted free agent at this season, meaning the Browns could keep him for relatively cheap on a tender in 2021 before negotiating a long-term deal as well.

Jonathan Jones

A former undrafted free agent in the 2016 NFL Draft, cornerback Jonathan Jones has made a great career for himself in New England. So much so that he just re-signed a new three year deal in New England this offseason. One issue on the Patriots’ side of this potential trade would be the approximately $5 million in dead money they would have to eat to trade him.

However, at just the age of 27, there is still plenty of good football ahead of Jones. It would likely cost the Browns a third round pick at minimum, however, to land Jones given how valuable he has been for New England throughout his career.

Joejuan Williams

While he has struggled over the past two years to begin his career with the Patriots, Joejuan Williams is still just 22 years old and a former second round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. He was also arrested for drug possession and speeding this past January, but a change of scenery may be all he needs.

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He is listed at 6-foot-4 and 208 pounds and has a high athletic ceiling. If the Patriots are willing to part ways with Williams, they may be willing to do so at a highly inexpensive price given his slow start in New England. In fact, Williams is now listed as a free safety on the Patriots’ depth chart, giving the Browns even more versatility to fill weaknesses in their secondary.

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