No. 1 – Jack Conklin
The top target for the Cleveland Browns to move on from before the trade deadline is Jack Conklin. Again, Conklin is not a bad player and has really played well this season coming off a nasty kneecap injury. But there is no way the Browns can retain him after this season. With his contract up at the end of 2022, it makes a lot of sense to send him to a contender.
One thing to keep in mind, Conklin has a nasty contract so even dealing him for a mid-round pick in 2024 would be a big win. Conklin is eligible to become a free agent in 2023, but he has two void years in his contract with a $9 million hit in cap throughout the two-year period. My guess is no team is willing to take all of that on, but even if you could get rid of some of that hit, it would be a huge win.
Conklin is certainly in no position to lose his starting position, but James Hudson has come a long way over the last year and a half. Last year he looked nowhere near ready to be a starting NFL tackle, but in limited snaps this year he is much improved.
With the season all but a lost cause at this point, 2022 would be a great transition year for him to get used to being a full-time starter and prepare for meaningful snaps in 2023. The NFL typically doesn’t start the rebuild mid-season like you’ll see in the NBA constantly, but don’t be shocked to hear these three players’ names in the trade talks this week.
Week 7 instant reactions: Browns doomed by late penalties
The Cleveland Browns played well against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 7 but two penalties late ended their hopes at tying it up