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October 30, 2024 By  AFC North, Cleveland Browns, NFL

“Already Eyeing The 2025 Quarterback Class” Browns Get Massive Trade Possibility

The Cleveland Browns will likely be starting over at quarterback once again in the very near future.  Deshaun Watson very well may have played his very last down with Cleveland given his injuries and his contract.

In order to do that, Cleveland might need to get some additional draft capital.  That could happen in the very near future.

“Already Eyeing The 2025 Quarterback Class” Browns Get Massive Trade Possibility

Oct 27, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) celebrates his sack against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Oct 27, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Za’Darius Smith (99) celebrates his sack against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Christopher Knox of Bleacher Report highlighted how Za’Darius Smith could be on the move very soon:

Cleveland’s Week 8 upset of the Baltimore Ravens probably won’t save the Browns’ season. However, the impressive win engineered by backup quarterback Jameis Winston did show that the Browns are a better team without Deshaun Watson.

Watson suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 7 and is under contract for two more seasons on a fully guaranteed deal. Cleveland has to pay him, but it doesn’t have to play him.

The Browns should already be eyeing the 2025 quarterback class. Trading pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith could give Cleveland a bit more draft capital with which to chase a signal-caller in the spring.

Pass-rushers are in demand, and Smith has already tallied five sacks through eight games. “Several teams” have inquired about Smith, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.

The Detroit Lions remain the most sensible suitor for a pass-rusher because of Aidan Hutchinson’s leg injury. The Lions have become the team to beat in the NFC, but they could use a difference-maker along their defensive front.

Schefter reported on October 19 that Hutchinson could potentially return if Detroit reaches the Super Bowl. However, he’s unlikely to return before then.

The Philadelphia Eagles could also make sense for Smith. The Eagles are back on a playoff path after winning three straight, and they’ve recorded a respectable 20 sacks as a team. However, no player on Philadelphia’s roster has more than three quarterback takedowns through seven games.

Potential Suitors: Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles

Oct 27, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) gestures to fans against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Oct 27, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Za’Darius Smith (99) gestures to fans against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

It will be interesting to see what direction Cleveland takes with their franchise next off-season.  It once again seems like they’ll be rebuilding, especially after trading away Amari Cooper.

In the meantime Browns fans get to be excited about what Jameis Winston is bringing to this offense.

Oct 27, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) throws the ball during warm ups before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Oct 27, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) throws the ball during warm ups before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

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About McQuade Arnold

McQuade Arnold is a Co-Owner of Wisconsin Sports Heroics (WSH), Gridiron Heroics (GH), and Hardwood Heroics (HWH). He graduated from American Military University with an associate in General Studies and is currently pursuing his Bachelors in Sports Marketing. McQuade has been active duty in the United States Navy for 11 years and is currently stationed in Chicago, IL after spending time in Norfolk, VA and San Diego, CA. He is originally from Superior, WI and is a die hard Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Milwaukee Bucks fan. McQuade's work for WSH has been featured on YardBarker, Bleacher Report, NewsBreak, and MSN.

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