We’re getting really close to the season beginning and even closer to roster cutdowns that will happen next week.

Before then, teams will look to shop players on the end of their roster that they’re going to cut anyway. Yes, you can include the Cleveland Browns on that list, as it’s due diligence to do so.

In the last few days, the Browns have restructured three contracts, but it likely has nothing to do with trades. Cleveland is going to roll that money over likely.

When it comes to the end of the roster, the Browns are going to have to cut some players they wish they could keep around. If they’re cutting them and another team is interested, they could ship them to the said team for a conditional late pick, usually a seventh. Teams do this to ensure they get the player they want before they can be claimed or signed elsewhere.

Right now, I have three players on the Browns’ roster that I could see as trade bait.

C Nick Harris

When the Browns drafted Luke Wypler out of Ohio State late in the draft back in April, the future for Harris became cloudy. Both players are best out at center, though Wypler has had some exceptional guard play in the preseason. Granted, it is the preseason and he has done it against backups, but it could be a good sign for his developmental future.

Harris played some guard as a rookie and it did not go well, to say the least. Back in 2021 in a late-season game against the Green Bay Packers, Harris stepped in at center and looked legit. Then, before the 2022 season started he suffered a season-ending injury that certainly has an effect on where he is today. Ethan Pocic stepped in and took the job, the rest is history.

With Harris already nearing the end of his rookie contract, the Browns should be more inclined to roll with Wypler as their backup center. The Buckeye product is not one that many thought would be there in the sixth round. To Cleveland’s benefit, he’s going to be cheaper and he will maintain on his rookie contract a couple of years longer than Harris.

I have Harris as a cut candidate and at the end of the roster, the Browns should try to get something for a player like him. He can start at center if needed, he’s shown that much. There seems to be a shortage of quality offensive linemen around the league, so there may be a team inclined to trade for him. I have Harris as the player the Browns are most likely to cut.

DT Trysten Hill

Cleveland signed Hill in the offseason as one of multiple defensive tackles they’ve brought in. He was banged up early in camp but has since returned and had a tackle against the Philadelphia Eagles last week.

The Browns are going to keep five defensive tackles and I believe all five of those spots are pretty much wrapped up. Dalvin Tomlinson, Jordan Elliott, Siaki Ika, and Shelby Harris are locks to make the team. Maurice Hurst has been solid this preseason and has shown that he’s healthy, you can go ahead and plug him into that fifth spot.

Now, that leaves Hill as a candidate to be cut. I don’t necessarily think Hill will be traded but he very well could be. There are teams out there that need more interior pieces. If a team doesn’t think Hill is going to sign with them, he will have his choice as a vested player, then trading a pick late that means close to nothing won’t be an issue.

CB A.J. Green

Cleveland has had a few undrafted free agents shine this preseason and I believe at least one pushes a player off of the roster. For instance, I could see the Browns keeping six linebackers with the way that Mohamoud Diabate has played this preseason. To make up for such a move, you’re going to have to have one less player on the defense somewhere.

Despite soft tissue injuries impacting the Browns’ cornerback position in the past, I would feel good about rolling into the season with five players there. You have Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome II, and Martin Emerson Jr. leading the way for the room. Then, rookie Cameron Mitchell has come on during training camp. The Browns signed Mike Ford in the offseason and he’s going to be a heavy special teams contributor as long as he makes the team.

Green has been a player the Browns have liked in the past and maybe he ends up making the team. It is not every year you get a player who can play 31 games in three years for you as an undrafted free agent. That is what Green has done over the last three. But with some roster maneuvering needing to happen, tough choices have to be made.

There’s no doubt that Green is solid depth as an NFL cornerback and he’s going to be on a 53-man roster somewhere. If Cleveland does indeed need to cut him, he’s worth shopping.

Going away, if the Browns make a trade this weekend, their former draft pick Harris is most likely to be shipped away. Andrew Berry has never been shy about making trades, don’t be surprised if he does this weekend. 

5 defensive players the Browns could look to put on the practice squad

Cleveland may want to keep these players around in case they’re needed on defense.

Featured image via David Dermer-USA TODAY Sports.