Throughout the 2023 NFL season, the Cleveland Browns have consistently showcased one of the league’s top defenses. Despite that fact, their offensive performance has left much to be desired, primarily due to a combination of factors.
Injuries have taken a toll on the team’s offensive capabilities, with key players like running back Nick Chubb, offensive tackle Jack Conklin, and quarterback Deshaun Watson all succumbing to season-ending injuries. This unfortunate situation has forced backups into more prominent roles, contributing to the inconsistency on the offensive front.
While some positions have remained relatively healthy, the wide receiver unit has been underwhelming. The frequent changes in quarterbacks, with four different players starting in that position this season, have undoubtedly added to the challenges. However, aside from Amari Cooper and occasionally Elijah Moore, consistent production from the wide receiver corps has been lacking.
Browns Could Look To Make Major Superstar Wide Receiver Trade?
Looking ahead to the offseason, the Browns might consider upgrading their wide receiver position.
One intriguing candidate on the radar is Buffalo Bills All-Pro Stefon Diggs, who has been mentioned as a potential trade option. Diggs could bring a significant boost to the Browns’ passing game, especially given the uncertainty around Cooper’s future with the team.
Connor Livesay of The 33rd Team has speculated that the Bills might make Diggs available for trade. While acquiring a player of Diggs’s caliber poses challenges, including managing his contract and securing the necessary draft capital, the potential benefits for the Browns are evident.
“With Dalton Kincaid and Khalil Shakir progressing nicely and with a loaded wide receiver draft class coming up, the Bills could seriously look to move Diggs during the offseason. The Bills-Diggs marriage has been somewhat weird for a few years. We likely look too much into Diggs’ social media responses and sideline interactions with [QB Josh] Allen, but it does not seem like things are all fine and dandy between the Bills and Diggs. Diggs is just two years into the … $96-million contract extension he signed in 2022. So the team trading for Diggs would give up draft capital and take on a relatively big contract.”
Considering Diggs’ consistent production in 2023 aligns with his career achievements in Buffalo, he could serve as a crucial asset to the Browns’ passing attack. Whether as a replacement for Cooper or as part of one of the NFL’s best wide receiver duos, Diggs presents a compelling option that the Browns may explore during the upcoming offseason.
Despite the potential hurdles, the allure of adding a player of Diggs’s caliber to the roster warrants thorough consideration by the Browns’ front office.