The Cleveland Browns were completely embarrassed by the Washington Commanders in Sunday's Week 5 contest, losing 34-13. The 1-4 Browns are now tied for last place in the NFC North with the equally disappointing Cincinnati Bengals. General manager Andrew Berry should consider being a seller at next month's NFL trade deadline (Nov. 5).
Cleveland's most intriguing asset is by far veteran receiver Amari Cooper. Cooper and struggling starting quarterback Deshaun Watson have not displayed chemistry this season. Watson's supposed go-to wideout had just four receptions for 60 receiving yards in Sunday's latest shortcoming.
The Browns declined opportunities to extend Cooper's contract this past offseason despite the five-time Pro Bowler voicing his displeasure. Cooper is in a contract year with a manageable cap charge of $8.7 million, essentially ensuring this is his final season in Cleveland. We've identified three potential landing spots via trade.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs recently lost No. 1 receiver Rashee Rice for an extended period of time, possibly the entire campaign. Offseason signing Marquise "Hollywood" Brown also suffered a regular-season-ending injury earlier this year. Those two setbacks have catapulted rookie wideout Xavier Worthy to a larger role, one he's potentially not ready for.
Travis Kelce is the only reliable pass-catching weapon in Kansas City right now, and he's even beginning to show signs of decline. Chiefs general manager Brett Veach currently possesses just $4.1 million in effective cap space, per Spotrac, but Cooper's aforementioned cap charge is doable. Realistic financial gymnastics would allow the Chiefs to fit Cooper into their 2024 budget as they aim to three-peat as Super Bowl champions.
Washington Commanders
Cooper received a front-row seat on Sunday to Washington's dominance. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels was once again outstanding, completing 14 passes while accounting for 320 total yards of offense and a touchdown. Daniels dominated a usually stout Browns defense, improving Washington's record to an NFC East-leading 4-1.
Commanders general manager Adam Peters should take advantage of his record and Daniels' rookie contract at the NFL trade deadline. Peters should be aggressive while Daniels remains on his cost-controlled deal. They currently possess nearly $26 million in effective cap space, according to Over The Cap. Washington doesn't have many proven pass-catching weapons outside of Terry McLaurin. Acquiring Cooper would signal continued investment in their rookie quarterback's in-season development.
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions offense has been its explosive self through four completed contests. They're currently on schedule to exit their Week 5 bye with the third-ranked offense in the NFL, producing 397 yards per game. Quarterback Jared Goff is overseeing the league's seventh-ranked passing attack (245.8/game).
The Lions have lofty expectations after blowing a multi-score lead to the San Francisco 49ers in last year's NFC Championship Game. If general manager Brad Holmes is going to target a position at the trade deadline, it could be wide receiver. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams are the go-to options, and adding another capable wideout like Cooper would make the Lions borderline unstoppable when operating out of 11 personnel.
