The Cleveland Browns aim to maintain the momentum from their recent win over the Baltimore Ravens as they prepare for a challenging game against the Los Angeles Chargers’ top-ranked scoring defense. With the NFL trade deadline approaching and several rumors swirling around the team, their strategy remains uncertain.
A former Browns general manager recently shared his perspective after seeing Jameis Winston step in for the injured Deshaun Watson. Lombardi emphasized the importance of carefully considering any moves, especially regarding talented players like pass rusher Za’Darius Smith, and the impact that trading them could have on team morale.
Moving more players, as they did with wide receiver Amari Cooper, could signal that the Browns are abandoning their season, a decision that Lombardi suggests may not be wise given the team’s current unity under Winston. Smith appears to be a likely trade candidate, but with injuries to Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Jordan Hicks, the Browns’ linebacker and pass-rushing depth is already strained.
If the Browns hope to keep building on their progress, they’ll need to be careful with any potential moves as the deadline approaches.