The rumor mill is spinning as we get closer to the Super Bowl, and the latest buzz has the Cleveland Browns dealing their 24th overall 2026 NFL Draft pick to Philadelphia for superstar wide receiver A.J. Brown. While Brown appears disgruntled and frustrated in Philly, GM Andrew Berry must resist the urge to pull the trigger.
Berry has a close connection to the Eagles from when he worked in their front office, and has tried to emulate their organizational structure in Cleveland. In the past, he's also been aggressive in acquiring veteran wideouts with mixed results.
Dealing with the Dallas Cowboys in 2022, Berry hit a homerun in grabbing Amari Cooper for a fifth-round pick. During his first two seasons with the team, Cooper hauled in 14-total touchdowns, and eclipsed 1,100-receiving yards each year.
Berry swung again for a playmaker when he traded for Jerry Jeudy in 2024. It's been a mixed bag for Jeudy. His first season in Cleveland he broke the franchise single season reception record. In 2025, however, his claim to fame was being tied for second in the NFL in dropped passes (10).
For A.J. Brown specifically, here are the three reasons why the Browns must not call the Eagles:
1. The OBJ Ghost: Avoiding the "Diva" Trap
We’ve seen this movie before, and it didn't have a Hollywood ending. The similarities between A.J. Brown and the Odell Beckham Jr. Trade of 2019 are jarring. Both are elite, emotional, and high-volume receivers who can become a sideline distraction when targets don't follow.
With an unsettled quarterback room, currently led by a still developing Shedeur Sanders and a new head coach incoming, Cleveland cannot afford a volatile personality who might "gaslight" the offense if he isn't the focal point of every drive.
2. The $80-Million Anchor
Cleveland is already navigating the most restrictive salary cap situation in NFL history. With Deshaun Watson's record-breaking $80.7-million cap hit in 2026, adding Brown’s massive $23.3-million cap number would effectively end the Browns' ability to sign any notable free agents.
Even if Berry once again restructures Watson's contract to create more cap room, there is still an offensive line overhaul to consider, as well as decisions on 31 free agents on the roster.
3. Protection Over Production
As mentioned above, the Browns' offensive line is in a full-blown crisis. Leader Joel Bitonio could retire and Wyatt Teller seems destined to hit the open market. That means it is crucial to draft a starter with the No. 6 or 24 pick this year for the OL, and ideally a WR with the other.
Securing playmakers on rookie salaries is also a must with the ongoing Watson cap hit concerns.
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