The Cleveland Browns have already won more games this season than some of the doubters thought they would. At 5-3 after eight weeks, some would argue that they're already playing with house money and have overachieved.
While that might be fair to a degree, that doesn't mean they will just go through the motions for the final nine games of the season. If anything, another win in Week 9 should incentivize them to be buyers at the Nov. 10 trade deadline.
General manager Andrew Berry is unlikely to make a huge splash, but there are some feasible targets out there who could solve some of the Browns' depth issues.
Notably, three of them play for their Week 9 opponent, the New Orleans Saints.
Browns could find a trade deadline solution on the opposite sideline Sunday
Juwan Johnson, TE
Tight end depth has been a concern since the start of the offseason. Harold Fannin Jr. kept his foot on the gas after a strong rookie season, but the team has rotated tight ends next to him with underwhelming results.
Johnson, a converted wide receiver, is an elusive jumbo pass catcher who has shown some impressive yards-after-the-catch ability in the past. The veteran hasn't replicated his breakout production from the 2025 season, though, and could be available at the deadline.
Johnson would give this team another big target and perennial mismatch in the red zone. That said, despite his sturdy frame, he's never been known for his physicality as a blocker, which is what the Browns need most right now.
Carl Granderson, EDGE
Even without Myles Garrett, the Browns' pass rush has been stellar this season. Unfortunately, that unit isn't particularly deep, and it hasn't gotten much from Jared Verse through eight games, at least in terms of numbers.
Granderson is a bit inconsistent and can go MIA during stretches, but he's a solid run-stopping EDGE rusher. The Browns have been stellar in coverage and at rushing the passer, but not so much at containing the ground attack.
He's been one of the few bright spots on Kellen Moore's defense this season. He would be a stellar addition to Cleveland's defensive end rotation in obvious run situations.
Noah Fant, TE
Just like Johnson, Fant isn't known for his blocking prowess. Despite being built like a brick wall, he hasn't always been the most steady contributor to the running game.
That said, Fant's athleticism and catch radius will always make him a threat, be it downfield or in the red zone. He's faster than the average player at the position and can stretch the field with his quick twitch and elusiveness.
Again, the Browns would probably be better off targeting a blocking tight end at the deadline, like Charlie Kolar of the Los Angeles Chargers. But Monken's offense looks like a tailor-made fit for a playmaking tight end like Fant.
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