although the Cleveland Browns want to make a franchise-changing move, dealing for superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson could be the ideal — although exceedingly unlikely — blockbuster deal.
Michael Lucas, a producer on the Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show, proposed a half-dozen “wild” transactions for Bleacher Report, involving prominent players from across the league. Lucas was clear that the transactions had a very low chance of happening. However, the prospect of Jefferson landing alongside Cleveland stood out.
In exchange for Jefferson and a sixth-round pick, Minnesota would receive a trio of potential starters: cornerback Martin Emerson, offensive tackle Dawand Jones, and wide receiver Elijah Moore. The Browns would also include first and third-round picks in the hypothetical trade.
“Could you imagine Deshaun Watson if he can return to the Houston form we saw,” Lucas asked. “The numbers he could put up with Justin Jefferson, Amari Cooper, Nick Chubb returning, David Njoku, Cedric Tillman, and Jamari Thrash. It may be wild. There’s also Jerry Jeudy. “Good luck trying to stop the Browns offense.”
Minnesota general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah formerly worked with Browns general manager Andrew Berry, and the two have a solid relationship. The Browns and Vikings have lately conducted business. Last offseason, the Browns traded for Za’Darius Smith, a three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher.
Justin Jefferson in Contract Talks With Vikings
Jefferson’s contract status has prompted speculation of a move this offseason. This season, he’ll play on his rookie contract’s fifth-year option, which is worth a fully guaranteed $19.743 million.
Jefferson and the Vikings have been in contract negotiations for more than a year. He’s most likely hoping to reset the market with his transaction. Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown recently inked a mammoth three-year, $96 million contract extension that will serve as a benchmark. Brown will earn an average of $32 million each year, with an additional $84 million guaranteed.
Jefferson did not attend Monday’s Vikings OTAs or other voluntary practices this offseason. The Vikings remain confident that they will strike an arrangement with their standout pass-catcher.
“We have a process in place, and regardless of whether we sign him, we want Justin to have the entire week. Do you have a friend whose birthday takes up the entire month? I believe Justin deserves a month to celebrate if we sign a contract,” Adofo-Mensah stated before of the April draft. “So you know, we’re excited to work on it. We’ll keep going. You can’t have all these goals and ambitions without talking about the king linchpin, so we’ll keep working toward that end goal.”
Browns Have Added Depth at Wide Receiver
Landing Jefferson is a pipe dream, but the Browns have done significant effort this offseason to improve their wide receiver depth.
The most prominent transaction involved former Denver Broncos first-round choice Jerry Jeudy. He has 3,053 yards on 211 receptions and 11 touchdowns in his career. The Browns are counting on Jeudy to take a leap after the change of surroundings. Cleveland signed Jeudy to a three-year contract extension shortly after the deal.
Jeudy joins Cooper and Moore as the Browns’ primary wide receivers. But Cleveland has also added depth. The Browns selected Jamari Thrash in the fifth round. He will fight for reps with Cedric Tillman and David Bell, both past third-round picks.
Watson is the cornerstone to the Browns’ passing game. Cleveland expects to have him on the field for the entire season. He’s appeared in only 12 games over the last two seasons.
