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Cleveland Browns: 3 trade targets for 2022 season

By Greg Newland

Sep 30, 2018; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) meets with Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) after the game at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2018; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) meets with Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) after the game at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Preston Smith (91) celebrates after sacking Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) in the third quarter during their football game Sunday, November 21, 2021, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Min. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Preston Smith (91) celebrates after sacking Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) in the third quarter during their football game Sunday, November 21, 2021, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Min. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin /

Target No. 3 – Preston Smith, Defensive End

There are a few things that would have to happen for a trade to make sense for Preston Smith from the Green Bay Packers, but I think the team could be motivated to move him.

The Cleveland Browns would have to decide they are moving on from Jadeveon Clowney. I think the Browns would love to keep him (me as well), but I don’t think the organization will be able to afford him. He has had a great season and I would expect teams to aggressively pursue him in free agency.

Smith would also have to agree to an extension for the Browns to take on his contract. His cap hit will be nearly $20 million in 2022 which is exactly why the Packers could be looking for a trade partner.

At age 29, Smith has at least three good years left in the tank, and the Cleveland Browns could look to extend him. He isn’t nearly as good of a pass rusher as Clowney, but he is as effective vs. the run.  Smith is also no slouch as a pass rusher with 21 sacks over the last three seasons.

I’m not sure what the Browns would want to give up, but a mid-round draft pick and maybe a mid-grade player could make a lot of sense to fill a hole if Clowney does move on. Finally, Smith has played in every single game of his career. Clowney has been better in Cleveland but doesn’t have near the track record of durability like Smith.

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