The Cleveland Browns are in somewhat unfamiliar territory. They're leading the AFC North for the first time in over a decade, and nearly halfway through the season, it's beginning to feel like they could turn their hot start into a playoff appearance.
With the NFL trade deadline approaching, Cleveland could be looking to get into the action. A few big-name players have already been on the move, like Quenton Nelson and Joey Porter Jr., and the Browns could use some help at a few positions.
But general manager Andrew Berry can't throw his plans out the window based on a couple months of encouraging football. The Browns must stay the course, even if it means sacrificing wins this season.
Browns can't afford to be major buyers at the NFL trade deadline
This season was never supposed to be an especially competitive one for the Browns. Todd Monken entered his first year at the helm without a clear starting quarterback and without Myles Garrett to lead his defense. He's responded with five wins and the top spot in the AFC North.
But that doesn't mean that Cleveland should leverage its future for the sake of improving its short-term chances of winning. The roster problems that this team entered the season with still exist, and they aren't going to be fixed by a midseason trade.
Sending away a top-100 draft pick, especially for a player on an expiring contract, would likely do more harm than good for the Browns. Berry will need all of the draft capital he can get to find long-term solutions at his remaining positions of need.
As enticing as some of the potential deadline deals may be, the Browns should hold firm with their current roster instead of trying to make a splash. After all, they may need additional draft picks to make a move for a quarterback next offseason.
Browns can get involved in trade deadline action without leveraging their future
The Browns shouldn't be major players at the trade deadline, but that doesn't mean that they can't search the market for some low-cost deals to improve their roster.
Sending a late-round draft pick away for a rotational edge rusher or an explosive running back could help the Browns remain competitive this season without mortgaging their future. In reality, any pick outside of the first five rounds wouldn't be expected to contribute heavily, anyway. If Berry can turn one of those selections into an impact veteran, he should.
Dorance Armstrong Jr., Tyjae Spears, Kenneth Gainwell, and Ben Bredeson could all be intriguing options for the Browns. Players in this range could be available for a Day 3 draft pick, which is all Berry should be willing to give up.
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