As the Cleveland Browns prepare for the 2025 NFL season, one thing remains unclear: who will start at quarterback in Week 1.

However, even with that question unresolved, a more immediate concern may lie elsewhere-specifically, the lack of dependable pass catchers beyond their star wide receiver Jerry Jeudy.

Tight end trade rumors highlight Browns’ pass catcher challenges

Following last season’s trade of veteran wideout Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills, the Browns found themselves thin at the receiver position.

Despite carrying a roster loaded with 12 wide receivers, the team did not address the position in the recent draft. The depth behind Jeudy remains a notable weak spot, and rumors of Cooper’s potential return have only added to the ongoing debate.

In light of these challenges, some analysts have proposed that Cleveland look beyond wide receivers to bolster their passing game. Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report suggested that the Browns explore a trade for Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts.

Pitts, once heralded as a game-changing rookie, has yet to become the Falcons’ offensive centerpiece. Meanwhile, Cleveland’s tight end group features David Njoku – under contract through 2026 with a hefty $11.5 million salary-and rookie Harold Fannin Jr., a third-round pick still developing his game. This tight end depth makes the trade suggestion curious, as Pitts could overlap with existing players rather than fill an urgent need.

Knox argues that such a trade could benefit both teams. For the Falcons, moving Pitts might be a way to avoid committing to a long-term, market-value contract.

For the Browns, acquiring Pitts could be part of a broader strategy as they evaluate their offensive future, especially with quarterback questions unresolved.

.@JFowlerESPN says the Atlanta Falcons are "open" to the possibility of trading TE Kyle Pitts

Where is a good landing spot for Pitts? 👀 pic.twitter.com/c4p6QAQufR

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) June 2, 2025

A busy quarterback room

Currently, Cleveland’s quarterback room includes Kenny Pickett, and rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, none of whom have yet proven to be the franchise’s long-term solution.

If the Browns fail to solidify a starting quarterback internally, the 2026 NFL Draft looms as a critical opportunity to address that position.

In this context, acquiring a versatile player like Pitts might provide a valuable weapon for a future quarterback, offering both blocking and receiving capabilities. However, Cleveland’s recent investment in Njoku and Fannin Jr. complicates the idea of simply replacing one tight end with another.

Ultimately, the Browns face a delicate balancing act. While Jeudy anchors the receiving corps, the question of reliable secondary options remains. The quarterback situation adds an extra layer of complexity, making roster moves like a Pitts trade both intriguing and uncertain.

As the season approaches, Cleveland will need to decide whether to reinforce their receiving corps through trades or develop existing players, all while trying to find clarity under center.