3 more defensive players Browns can trade for after Deion Jones
By Randy Gurzi
1. Daron Payne, DT, Washington Commanders
The one player that continues to make the most sense for the Browns is Daron Payne of the Washington Commanders. Payne was another first-round pick, coming out of Alabama in 2018. Taken 13th overall, he’s been everything Washington expected him to be.
Payne has racked up 245 tackles, 26 tackles for a loss, 17 sacks, 12 pass deflections, four forced fumbles, and an interception. He impacts the game on every play and would be an ideal fit at defensive tackle for a team that needs an Alpha in the middle of the line.
So far in his career, Payne has been known for his ability to shut down the run but he offers even more than that, evidenced by his 74 quarterback pressures — including eight in the first four games this season.
As good as Payne is, there were whispers this offseason that he could be on the trade block. One reason would be his desire for a new contract as he’s in the final year of his rookie deal. Washington knows he’s worth what he’s asking, but they’re also 1-4 following their latest loss and it might be time for them to punt on the season — especially with the rest of their division at 4-1 or better.
It might be hard for Cleveland to extend Payne — although if anyone could do it, it seems as though Andrew Berry could find a way — but even as a one-year rental to keep them in the playoff race, he could be worth it.
