Purely on paper, general manager Andrew Berry and the Cleveland Browns likely love their defensive front.
They just locked up defensive tackle Maliek Collins for another two years. They have young talent at defensive end in Jared Verse and Isaiah McGuire. Mason Graham is one of the NFL’s top ascending young interior players. The linebacker duo of Carson Schwesinger and Quincy Williams is among the best in football.
But on the field, the Browns have an obvious problem, one Berry and the front office can’t afford to ignore with the NFL trade deadline looming on Nov. 10.
Browns' collapsing run defense has become a trade deadline priority
Cleveland’s rush defense has crumbled in recent weeks. The Browns have allowed a 100-yard rusher in three consecutive games. A week after letting Tony Pollard rush for 129 yards and three touchdowns, the Browns were gashed on the ground by the Steelers to the tune of 200 yards on 33 attempts; that’s a 6.1 yards-per-carry average.
Still firmly in the mix at 5-3 entering Week 9, the Browns should be looking to bolster a defensive line group that’s been elite at pressuring the quarterback but extremely shaky at fitting gaps and competing in the run game.
That's why veteran defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson should be near the top of Berry’s trade-deadline wish list.
Robinson recently landed on ESPN’s list of 25 players who have a good chance to be moved prior to this year’s deadline, which is now less than a week away. In the estimation of insider Jeremy Fowler, Robinson has a 30% chance to be traded from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a contender.
“Robinson is a name that a few teams floated to me because he's still a productive interior player and a veteran who could help a contending team,” Fowler wrote. “He also wouldn't cost much to acquire at this stage. He has played for four other teams — the Lions, Rams, Panthers and Giants — so he has coaching friends all over the league.”
Much of the trade deadline chatter around the Browns has focused on the other side of the football. Cleveland’s own rushing attack has struggled mightily, falling into a tie for 27th in the NFL in EPA (expected points added) per rush attempt. Top running back Quinshon Judkins is averaging 3.4 yards per rush.
Tight end, specifically an inline blocking stalwart like Charlie Kolar who played in Todd Monken’s offense in Baltimore, has also been floated as a need for the Browns. Kolar signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency this year, but with the Chargers sitting at 0-7 entering Week 9, it wouldn’t be surprising to see some player movement.
The defensive line tops our wish list, though.
The Browns lost a pair of key role players in Alex Wright and Kalia Davis before the season even started. Mike Hall Jr. missed three games with an ankle injury. The Browns have gotten some key depth reps from Adin Huntington and Sam Kamara, but they could use another dependable body.
A'Shawn Robinson offers the Browns a low-cost solution up front
Robinson checks all the boxes.
He’s played 222 defensive snaps with six starts for the Buccaneers who, per SumerSports, has the fourth-best run defense in terms of EPA. According to Pro Football Focus, Robinson ranks No. 2 in the NFL among 130 qualifying interior linemen in run-defense grade at 88.5.
ESPN’s Matt Bowen described Robinson as the type of deadline addition that would help solve some of the Browns’ recent struggles.
“At 6-3 and 320 pounds, Robinson is a powerful run defender who can play as a 1-technique nose or 3-technique defensive tackle,” Bowen wrote. “While Robinson doesn't provide pass-rushing upside (16 career sacks), he can push the interior of the pocket. He's an early-down defender who could help out a defensive line rotation. He even has two interceptions this season!”
Is there a better addition for the Browns on paper right now than Robinson? His game is pushing the pocket and stuffing the run on early downs. The Browns could bring him in for the low cost of one of their seven Day 3 picks in 2027 and utilize him in a rotation with Collins and Graham.
Countless trade ideas will be tossed around this week, and Browns fans can dream about a major splash move for Jonathan Taylor if they want.
But a move like this, adding key veteran depth and a skill set that’s currently lacking on the roster, makes all the sense in the world. If Robinson is indeed for sale this week, Berry should be on the phone.
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