Cleveland Browns GM eyes trade possibility to get back in action before October 31st

The bye week gives the Cleveland Browns coaching staff a chance to evaluate the roster and explore potential ways to improve the team going forward. As the trade deadline approaches, trade rumors in the NFL are swirling around some of the best running backs in football.

After losing Nick Chubb to a season-ending knee injury that could force him to miss games in 2024, Cleveland started Jerome Ford again and re-signed veteran Kareem Hunt. However, many wonder if the Browns would have been better off pursuing a running back via trade. Indianapolis Colts star Jonathan Taylor and Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs would both be great additions to Cleveland’s backfield. The Browns could return to their old offensive system, focusing the game plan around the running back and using him to set up the pass rush.

However, despite the possibility of having two Pro Bowl running backs available, Browns general manager Andrew Berry thinks the team is satisfied with its current running back line. “Due to the tampering rules, I knew I couldn’t touch specific players. We’re still active prospectors, participants in the commercial market, but I would say we’re satisfied with the active gap.

Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry on the possibility of a trade to return to profitability (H/T The Chronicle)
Ford has been a mainstay for Cleveland since Chubb went down. However, he was largely ineffective on the field. In the two games since Chubb’s injury, Ford is averaging just 2.32 yards per carry with 44 rushing yards on 19 attempts. However, it’s worth noting that Cleveland faces two of the best defenses in the NFL.

Despite his lack of starting running back ability, Berry praises Ford and believes strongly in his big-play ability.Jerome gives us big-play ability. We’ve seen that since the first month of the season. His speed and strength are a real asset but also a real contributor in the passing game. We think Jerome’s ability to separate and run routes is pretty hard to find.The Browns would move forward with more of a platoon of running backs, one that would see Ford lead the way the rest of the way. Unless the Colts significantly lower their asking price for Taylor or another high-end running back becomes available at a cheaper price, Cleveland will likely move forward with its current options.