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Grading the Browns and Jets Trade: Andrew Berry made a smart move for Cleveland that only made sense in the end

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Aug 20, 2025 8:10 PM ET

The Cleveland Browns got involved in preseason trade action on Wednesday, just days before their final preseason game at home on Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams.

Cleveland agreed to send second-year defensive tackle Jowon Briggs to the New York Jets along with a 2026 seventh-round pick in exchange for the Jets’ 2026 sixth-round pick (via Buffalo Bills).

For the Browns, this marks their first trade of training camp, and it may not be their last. One position to watch is quarterback, with four healthy options vying for roster spots.

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Grading the trade between the Cleveland Browns and the New York Jets

Cleveland drafted Briggs out of Cincinnati in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He appeared in six games last season, recording 13 tackles and two quarterback hits. At 6-foot-1 and 313 pounds, Briggs showed impressive strength and was in contention for a roster spot.

The Jets are clearly looking to upgrade their defensive interior, as they also acquired Harrison Phillips from the Minnesota Vikings. By trading Briggs, the Browns essentially signaled that he was unlikely to make their 53-man roster.

Cleveland already invested heavily at defensive tackle, drafting Mason Graham with the No. 5 overall pick in April. Graham is expected to start alongside Maliek Collins, with Mike Hall Jr. projected as a future starter next to Graham. Veteran Shelby Harris remains on the roster, and undrafted free agent Aaron Huntington has flashed in the preseason, putting himself on the bubble as well.

Ultimately, the Browns moved up a round in the draft, swapping a seventh for a sixth, while also getting some value for a player they weren’t going to keep. Briggs showed promise in limited action, and now he’ll get the chance to carve out a role in New York.