Browns agree to intriguing deal with Titans ahead of NFL Draft
Browns, Titans make a trade with NFL Draft fast approaching
The Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Titans entered the offseason on different trajectories, but there is a great degree of uncertainty surrounding both franchises. The former managed to survive a bevy of injuries in 2023-24 and earned a hard-fought playoff berth, while the latter is undergoing key changes in its power structure and on the roster.
The Browns and Titans will look to address their respective question marks at the 2024 NFL Draft. On Friday, though, they came together on a deal.
Cleveland is trading offensive tackle Leroy Watson IV to Tennessee for a 2024 seventh-round pick, per the Browns’ X account. Watson, who went undrafted in 2022 and spent time on the practice squads of the Atlanta Falcons and San Francisco 49ers, played just 55 snaps for the Brownies last season.
This move is understandably not going to cause much of a stir among local fans, let alone around the NFL, but it can actually be more important than it initially appears. Watson could have realistically been cut by the Browns in training camp, so this might have no downside whatsoever for general manager Andrew Berry.
On the flip side, Titans offensive line coach Bill Callahan, father of new head coach Brian Callahan, has ties to Watson from his time with Cleveland and clearly believes he is worth a late-round draft selection. Although nothing might come of this transaction, it shows that the wheels are turning in these front offices.
Browns can make every pick count, while Titans try to fix O-Line
Injuries and an aging defensive line are probably going to be concerns that the Browns have to manage throughout next season, so it is essential that Berry fares well in Detroit at the end of April. Adding another pass-rusher is key, and the O-Line could also use more depth. The NFL Draft can be won in those late rounds, when executives are trying to fill out the rest of their roster.
