Nine potential Browns' receiver trade targets to watch before training camp

While all of these receivers would be instant upgrades as to what is currently in the receiver room, these receivers would be true "pie in the sky" trade candidates that are unlikely to be moved. Even if it is true that they may be available for the right price, each player has their own major questions.

Though the New York Jets have had arguably the worst quarterback since he entered the league, Garrett Wilson has constantly been able to produce. Having played in every game in his three-year career, Wilson has averaged 93 catches, 1,083 yards, and almost five touchdowns a season. While Wilson has been extremely good, he has yet to take the next step into being a top 10 receiver in the league.

The question with Wilson comes down to one big factor: contract. With Myles Garrett locked into one of the biggest contracts for a defensive player in NFL history, in addition to the current financial strains caused by the Deshaun Watson contract, would trading for what could potentially end up being one of the biggest receiver contracts in the NFL be worth it?

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With Derek Carr's retirement coming somewhat out of nowhere, the Saints may be open for business. Another former Buckeye, Chris Olave's career hasn't been quite as consistent as Wilson's. He's missed 12 games in his career, mostly due to concussions. When healthy, Olave has been very good, averaging 83 catches, 1,118 yards, and four touchdowns over the course of a 17-game season.

Berry and his staff would have to feel very comfortable with his injury history to pursue this trade, especially with the contract that is most likely going to come with it. Olave also seems to have a little bit of that receiver drama to him, which is something Kevin Stefanski clearly did not enjoy during the Odell Beckham Jr. days.

Entering the final year of his contract and no progress reported, could Courtland Sutton finally be on his way out of Denver after what seems like years of trade rumors? Entering his eighth season in Denver, Sutton had a career high of 81 catches while playing in all 17 games in 2024. With Denver in win-now mode with a rookie QB, it seems that they will solve the Sutton contract situation before it reaches a boiling point.

If Sutton's contract demands are too much for Denver, Andrew Berry should be calling to at least check out the price tag on Sutton. With Sutton turning 30 years old in October, would he fit with the timeline of this offense, or would they opt for someone younger?

Tier 2: High Draft Pick, Low Production

If there's one thing Andrew Berry loves, it's a low-risk, high-reward, underachieving former high draft pick. Malik McDowell, Ethan Pocic, Kenny Pickett, Takk McKinley, Taven Bryan, and Elijah Moore are just a few that come to mind. Those like Pocic and Moore have had career years in Cleveland and were worth the price that was paid, while others like McKinley and Bryan disappointed in their time with the Browns.

Mentioned as a potential target by Pro Football Focus writer Brad Spielberger, Alec Pierce led the league last season in yards per catch at an average of 22.3 yards per catch. Pierce also already has a solid connection with Browns QB Joe Flacco, as they spent some time together in Indianapolis. The biggest issue for Pierce right now is consistency. Last season, Pierce had two games in which he was targeted 4 times in each game and came away with zero catches total.

On the flip side, Pierce also had three games of at least 122 yards, where he scored in each of those games. With Michael Pittman, Josh Downs, Jonathan Taylor, and Tyler Warren being focal points of the offense, along with having complementary pieces like Adonai Mitchell and Jelani Woods, Pierce could be the odd man out.

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With Green Bay adding two receivers in the draft, the writing is on the wall for at least one to be moved. In a room overloaded with "good, not elite" talent, the Packers have nine receivers who are realistically fighting for roster spots. Out of those nine, the player who fits the Andrew Berry prototype like a glove is Christian Watson. Setting a career high in games played last season, one of Watson's biggest concerns has been availability.

When healthy, Watson is one of the most explosive athletes in the league, averaging over 17 yards per catch for his career. With Jayden Reed getting a vote of confidence from the Packers organization, Romeo Doubs continuing to improve, and Matthew Golden and Savion Williams being drafted just this year, Watson is seemingly on the outside looking in.

Though he is only entering his third season, the seat is already pretty hot for receiver Quentin Johnston for the Los Angeles Chargers. Between his 7.7% career dropping rate and his lack of separation skills, Johnston struggles with two of the most important traits of being a receiver in the NFL. Luckily for him, he was gifted with incredible athletic skills, which allowed him to reach almost 800 yards and 8 touchdowns last season.

If the Chargers decide to end the Johnston experiment and go for a win-now approach, the Browns could make a lot of sense as a trade partner.

Tier 3- Under-the-Radar Upside

There are a few options that could be enticing to the Browns that may not fit their traditional receiver trade targets due to changes in their respective rooms. While the Browns would rather have a more proven option, adding young talent and competition may be the smartest way to go, with the team being potentially years away from being competitive. Though these names may not be as "big" as the others on this list, any one of them could still make an impact this season for the Browns.

The biggest name remaining, John Metchie is known for his inspiring return to football in 2023 after he was diagnosed with leukemia shortly after being drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. After returning the following year, Metchie struggled to get playing time, having just 16 receptions in his first full season in the NFL. He slightly improved his standing with the Texans, hauling in 24 receptions along with his first career NFL TD.

This off-season, Houston added veterans Christian Kirk, Justin Watson, and Braxton Berrios while also drafting the Iowa State teammates, second-round pick Jayden Higgins and third-round pick Jaylin Noel. Even with Tank Dell missing all of 2025 while recovering from his gruesome knee injury, the Texans have plenty of options outside of Metchie to have a running mate with their main option, Nico Collins. Metchie showed plenty of talent while at the University of Alabama and may just need a new start elsewhere.

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Growing up roughly 40 minutes south of Cleveland, Tyler Scott could be an intriguing option if the Browns feel they need someone with return ability. The former fourth-round pick out of the University of Cincinnati, Scott has 13 kick returns in his career while also having other special teams experience. Although he is already entering his third NFL season, Scott is still only 23 and would be the youngest non-rookie WR in the Browns' room upon arrival.

With Chicago adding Olamide Zaccheaus and Devin Duvernay in free agency, along with Luther Burden in the draft, the receiver room is suddenly very crowded. DJ Moore and Rome Odunze are already established as the top two at receiver, and the Bears added tight end Colston Loveland in the first round, even with starting tight end Cole Kmet already in place. With the return of starting running back D'Andre Swift as well, the offense seems set, which does not look to include Scott.

Another Green Bay receiver, Dontayvion Wicks is in a similar position to his teammate Watson. While Wicks is not as big of a name as Watson is, he could be the safer trading option. In his two years in the NFL, the former Virginia Cavalier has played in 32 games and has had 39 catches in each season. Wicks struggled this past season with drops, having nine on his record.

Stylistically, Wicks is a totally different player than Watson, and would allow Jeudy to stretch the field more often, while Wicks would cover the short to medium routes. Depending on what kind of player Berry wants to add, adding Wicks to the room may be the best compliment to Jeudy while also not being an expensive transaction.

Final Thoughts

While adding an impactful receiver in the trade market is something the Browns have been successful in over the last few seasons, questions still remain at the position. With Andrew Berry striking deals for the position each of the past three seasons, it almost seems inevitable that he will make another move to improve their situation.

Although it was surprising that the Browns did not select a receiver in the 2025 NFL draft, it could be due to them keeping an eye on the trade market, as it seems they prefer someone with NFL snaps who can contribute immediately. With Cleveland having built up some depth on the defensive line, the contract status of Greg Newsome up in the air, and the most draft capital in the NFL, the Browns have the assets needed to make a trade.