With the Cleveland Browns' 3-1 start in 2026 pushing them closer to the playoffs than the No. 1 pick, they may need to start planning for a future in which they are buyers at the 2026 NFL trade deadline.
The Browns' Week 5 opponent is a New York Jets team that is teetering on the brink of yet another tanking season, which could lead to them selling off some of their more trusted veterans for any available draft picks.
The Jets' defensive line may have a player that could immediately raise Cleveland's floor in sturdy run-stuffer Harrison Phillips.
The defensive line is still a pain point for Cleveland, and the Jets may not demand much for a one-dimensional player on the wrong side of 30. When taking his tremendous locker room presence into account, Phillips may be at the top of Andrew Berry's target list if he balls out.
Browns could target New York Jets DT Harrison Phillips at NFL trade deadline
Phillips has carved out a near decade-long career in the NFL based almost entirely on his ability to stop the run. Phillips, who has started every game since the start of the 2022 season, has become a beacon of consistency in that regard. Even on some lousy Jets teams, Phillips has remained rock solid.
With Mason Graham on the mend, the Browns may need to make a short-term addition that can further beef up their defensive line. Phillips, who's on an expiring contract, is not going to cost a ton to acquire in a trade, and a win in Week 5 might make the Jets even more of a motivated seller.
Phillips won't be asked to play on passing downs in Cleveland, and that might be best for both parties. More than just a space-eater, however, Phillips' penchant for stopping the run both closer to the ball and as a bigger end in a 3-4 scheme would give defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg a chance to deploy him in multiple alignments.
Harrison Phillips would help the Cleveland Browns immediately
Why would the Jets trade Phillips, apart from just selling every veteran with an iota of value? The Jets' defensive line is full of run-stuffers like Phillips who can't pressure the quarterback, and it seems unlikely that he will be in their plans for 2027 and beyond. Why lose him for nothing?
The Browns will likely use one of their top three picks in the 2027 NFL Draft to improve the defensive line, as the banged-up Graham and Jared Verse could use one more big name to completely reinvent their post-Myles Garrett alignment. Phillips can do that while providing the genuine veteran leadership teams covet.
Regardless of the result of Sunday's game, Phillips' resume should be enough to get teams like the Browns interested if things keep going sideways in New York. The Browns may beat some of their AFC rivals to the punch if they get GM Darren Mougey on the phone.
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