Cleveland Browns: 5 trade targets in event of a Saints fire sale

2. WR Tre’Quan Smith

The Browns desperately need a deep threat on offense, and while Smith isn’t a burner, he would provide some field-stretching to an offense that completely lacks it. Over his three seasons in New Orleans, Smith has caught 80 passes for 1,109 yards and 14 touchdowns. He averaged 13.9 yards per reception, which would be a big help for Baker Mayfield and his downfield passing strength.

Smith will be entering the final year of his rookie contract and could turn a strong season with Cleveland into either an extension or a solid deal in free agency, which would send a compensatory pick back to the Browns. Trading for players with just a year or two remaining on their deals and then watching them leave in return for more picks is a big part of why the New England Patriots were able to remain dominant for nearly 20 years. The Browns would do well to begin employing the same strategy.

While he wouldn’t be a game-changer in Cleveland, Smith could provide value as a WR4 that defenses have to respect, especially when his quarterback is capable of throwing the ball more than 10 yards down the field. Smith’s mid-to-deep operation didn’t mesh with Brees’ arm strength limitations. Things would be different with Mayfield.