The Opening Drive 12/20: A Few Players the Browns Should Monitor as The 2026 Offseason Approaches
The Browns ability to identify the right situations to make some opportunistic player acquisitions could help expedite their offensive turnaround.
While the Browns still have games left to play, the reality of December in the NFL is that front offices are already mapping out the offseason. Even teams with playoff aspirations are quietly planning for the offseason, identifying contracts that no longer fit, relationships that may be fraying, and situations where talented players could become available for reasons unrelated to performance.
For Cleveland, this is especially important. The Browns are entering an offseason that will require intentional roster recalibration, particularly on offense, where the wide receiver room and potentially the entire offensive line could need to be addressed, and any potential moves that can expedite that process need to be explored.
Brandon Aiyuk is the most obvious name to monitor. San Francisco has already voided the remaining guarantees in his contract, a move that rarely happens unless both sides are at least open to separation. While Aiyuk hasn’t played in 2025 after tearing his ACL midway through the 2024 season, his 1,342-yard 2023 campaign still places him firmly among the league’s top receivers. He would immediately raise the floor of the Browns’ passing game and provide a true separator who wins at all three levels. The Browns have been interested in Aiyuk before, the question is whether he remains a player of interest after his injury.
Releasing or trading Aiyuk would result in approximately $29.6 million in dead cap charges for the 49ers. However, if they designate him as a post-June one release (or wait until after June one to trade him), they can distribute that cost over the years 2026 and 2027. The team that acquires Aiyuk would be responsible for paying him $27 million in 2026, $28.124 million in 2027, and $30 million in 2028; however, it’s important to note that none of this money is guaranteed.
A.J. Brown represents a more aggressive swing. His situation in Philadelphia has been up and down, and while things could stabilize, a trade remains within the range of outcomes. Brown would instantly become the Browns’ most dominant receiver, forcing defenses to alter coverage structures and giving them a legitimate alpha target. The financial commitment would be significant, but so would the impact. Brown is set to receive a fully guaranteed $29 million in 2026. If the team releases him, it would result in nearly $72.5 million in dead cap charges. Alternatively, trading him would reduce that figure to about $43.5 million, which, while still substantial, is more manageable.
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Jawaan Taylor is a quieter but practical option. Kansas City may choose to move on after years of penalty issues, despite his durability. Cleveland’s offensive line has struggled with consistency and availability, and Taylor could offer veteran stability without a premium investment if released or traded at a discount. After this season, Taylor will have one year remaining on his contract, which includes $20 million in non-guaranteed money. If the Chiefs decide to release him, they will incur approximately $7.4 million in dead money on their salary cap for the next year, making his release a distinct possibility. Kansas City signed Jaylon Moore during the 2025 offseason, and he could step in as the starting right tackle if the team moves on from Taylor.
Tyler Linderbaum is the most intriguing long-term target. Baltimore declined his fifth-year option due to offensive line market mechanics(The grouping all offensive lineman together to calculate fifth year option and franchise tag figures), not performance. If extension talks stall, the Ravens could face a difficult decision. Linderbaum is one of the best centers in football and would immediately stabilize the Browns’ interior offensive line while improving both pass protection and run efficiency.
Linderbaum should stand firm and demand at least $59 million fully guaranteed over the first two years of a new deal, as that is the cost of tagging him twice. This situation has the potential to become complicated, even if both the Ravens want Linderbaum back and he wants to return. Notably, he ranks second to only Creed Humphrey, the highest paid center in the NFL, in pass block win rate since 2022, at 96.0%.
It is not wise to acquire a teams’ premium positions like tackle and receiver through free agency, however some intelligent moves with draft capital and a timely trade or two would allow the Browns to use free agency more reasonably, filling in with some proven NFL players at guard or as dependable depth to help round out the wide receiver room. Plenty of situations will emerge creating potential trade or player acquisition opportunities and the Browns can improve their offensive timeline by taking advantage. It’s a market to keep an eye on as the season winds down.
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Not sure I want to take a crack at another highly paid, malcontent WR. Draft WRs.
I would also add Packers LT Rasheed Walker- he has 1 year left on his rookie deal and they drafted a replacement in last draft. maybe we can trade for him