Trade for Mike Mayer? Re-sign Za’Darius Smith? Kirk Cousins? More NFL offseason options for Browns

The NFL offseason has started hot and heavy despite legal tampering not starting yet. The Cleveland Browns got a pair of good pieces of news as OL Joel Bitonio put off retirement to return and DE Myles Garrett ended his trade request saga with a huge new contract.

After that, the NFL went a bit off the rails with huge extensions (QB Josh Allen was the biggest), a couple of street free agents finding new teams (WR Davante Adams, OLB/DE Harold Landry) and at least one big trade (WR DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers).

Who knows what else can happen before Monday’s free agency kickoff.

As for the Browns, a lot of things could (reportedly) happen as soon as free agency’s tampering period opens but GM Andrew Berry doesn’t always act quickly. Surveying league sources as well as projecting slightly, here are five moves Cleveland could make quickly but three of the five require help from other teams:

(Full disclosure: This piece was set to run Monday morning but all the moves Sunday night led to an early publish late Sunday)

• Trade for WR Brandon Aiyuk

Berry tried to trade WR Amari Cooper and an early pick for Aiyuk last year. Since then, the San Francisco 49ers grew weary of Aiyuk’s antics but still signed him to a big deal. Aiyuk tore his ACL after seven games and, reportedly, his signing will lead to big changes in how the Niners do business.

“Buyers remorse” could lead to a trade, as could Aiyuk’s contract. On or before April 4th, San Francisco has to either pick up a $4 million option AND all of his 2026 contract or move on from the speedy receiver. The Browns could step in with a trade (CB Greg Newsome plus Day 3 picks may have been discussed already) and then redo Aiyuk’s deal in a way to help the team and player overall.

• Bring back DE Za’Darius Smith

The Detroit Lions traded a fifth-round pick to get Smith for the stretch run but have now released him. Smith is close with Garrett, loved his time in Cleveland and could get an incentive-laden deal to return. Smith provides depth and an option as a starter in 2025.

• Sign DT Dre’Mont Jones

Another defensive lineman that we’ve covered as an option for the Browns, Jones is from the area, was miscast last year with the Seattle Seahawks and could come in as a rotation piece right away. The price will likely be low, but for one year to allow Jones to build back his value for 2026 free agency.

• Trade for TE Mike Mayer

Another trade that could be cheap, considering the NFL draft pedigree, as Mayer has been rumored to be on the market. A return to a more two tight end set offense requires a couple more at the position and Mayer could see a return to his Notre Dame days in Cleveland. A Day 3 pick with another pick swap could get the job done.

• Sign QB Kirk Cousins

Finally, one that has been assumed by many still needs the Atlanta Falcons to release him, which seems less likely day by day but still possible. While Cousins struggled last year, he would sign as a veteran minimum player, be another year removed from Achilles surgery and be back in a system he is comfortable in.

Realistically, the Browns won’t make all five moves but that would be possible.