Grading the Browns and Rams Trade: Cleveland adds another player to the mix on offense at a position of need
An addition for the Browns with a player who is going to make the team.
All NFL teams must trim their rosters to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET, making for a busy day across the league.
The Cleveland Browns have been especially active, completing three trades in recent days. Jowon Briggs was dealt to the New York Jets, while Kenny Pickett was shipped to the Las Vegas Raiders.
The moves didn’t stop there. Cleveland made another deal Tuesday, this time adding offensive line depth from a recent preseason opponent. The Browns sent a 2028 seventh-round pick to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for offensive tackle KT Leveston.
Grading the trade for the Browns
Cleveland clearly saw something they liked in Leveston and may have been concerned the Tennessee Titans would claim the 6-foot-4, 335 pound offensive tackle off of waivers. With the Browns holding the No. 2 waiver priority, Leveston was expected to be cut by the Rams, but Cleveland chose not to risk it—sending away a seventh-round pick three drafts from now to secure him.
Leveston was a seventh-round pick by the Rams in the 2024 NFL Draft. He missed his rookie season due to an ankle injury but played 149 snaps this preseason at left tackle. Cleveland’s decision to acquire him also signals they weren’t comfortable keeping Jackson Barton as depth.
Dawand Jones has flashed ability but has battled inconsistency and injuries early in his career. Cornelius Lucas remains the only proven backup tackle on the roster, making outside help a reasonable option. For a minimal price, Cleveland landed a player they believe has more upside than their in-house alternatives.
Leveston is expected to begin the season on the Browns’ active roster.
Grade: B
Cleveland’s initial 53-man roster will be finalized in just a few hours, with the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals looming on Sept. 7.
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