The Cleveland Browns are reportedly looking to shake up the NFL landscape with a massive offseason move. General manager Andrew Berry has engaged in trade discussions with the Arizona Cardinals regarding wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. as the franchise attempts to salvage its offense. This potential blockbuster signals a major shift in strategy as the team prepares for the 2026 season.
Aggressive Pursuit of Talent to Support Shedeur Sanders
It is no secret that the Cleveland Browns have significant roster holes to fill on both sides of the ball. While the quarterback position remains a constant topic of debate, the front office appears focused on upgrading the supporting cast first. Reports indicate that the Browns are preparing to move forward with Shedeur Sanders as their starter for the upcoming season. The goal is clear. They want to surround the young quarterback with elite playmakers rather than leaving him on an island.
Sources reveal that the Browns have officially touched base with Arizona about acquiring Harrison Jr. to solve their perimeter woes. The former Ohio State standout was viewed as a generational prospect coming out of college, yet his NFL career has sparked mixed reviews so far. General Manager Andrew Berry is actively exploring if a change of scenery could unlock the dominant potential Harrison displayed during his time with the Buckeyes.
This trade interest stems from a realization that the upcoming draft offers limited solutions for Cleveland at the quarterback position. With Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza projected to go first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders, the Browns are left with few viable rookie options. Alabama’s Ty Simpson is considered the next best prospect, but selecting him with the sixth overall pick is viewed by many scouts as a significant reach.
Scouting Concerns Surround the Former Ohio State Star
The pursuit of Harrison Jr. is not without its detractors. While his name carries weight, his professional production has led to difficult questions within scouting circles. The primary concern revolves around whether his struggles are a product of the Cardinals system or a lack of separation ability at the professional level.
Jared Mueller of SB Nation recently shed light on the hesitation some insiders feel regarding the young receiver. He noted that he has described Harrison to trusted film and scout contacts as the “Trent Richardson of receivers” and received very little pushback on that assessment. This comparison is alarming for Browns fans who remember Richardson’s struggles in Cleveland, but it highlights the uncertainty surrounding Harrison’s transition to the NFL.
There are lingering questions about his film and whether he possesses the physical traits to dominate on Sundays the way he did on Saturdays.
Despite these concerns, Berry remains intrigued. The general manager is known for trusting his evaluation process and taking big swings on talent. The belief in the building is that upgrading the receiver room is necessary regardless of who is throwing the passes. If the Cardinals are willing to listen, Cleveland appears ready to negotiate.
Andrew Berry Revisits Chris Olave Trade Talks
Marvin Harrison Jr. is not the only high profile name on the Cleveland radar. The front office is casting a wide net to ensure they land a premier pass catcher this offseason. Reports confirm that the Browns have also rekindled their interest in New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave.
Cleveland originally attempted to acquire Olave at the trade deadline back in November. While that deal never materialized, Berry is not one to give up easily. He has a reputation for being persistent and resilient when targeting specific players. The fact that the Browns are circling back on Olave suggests they are determined to add a proven route runner to their offensive arsenal.
This aggressive approach indicates that the front office understands the urgency of the current window and refuses to enter the next season without significant upgrades.
The strategy seems to be a two pronged attack. By engaging with both Arizona and New Orleans, the Browns are creating leverage and options. If the price for Harrison Jr. becomes too steep or the scouting reports prove too worrisome, Olave represents a different style of receiver who has already proven he can produce at a high level in the NFL.
Navigating a Complex Quarterback Market
The urgency to trade for a receiver is compounded by the bleak outlook of the quarterback market. Beyond the draft, the veteran trade options are far from perfect. The team has evaluated several possibilities, but none seem to fit the long term vision of the franchise.
The current list of available or potentially available quarterbacks includes:
- Anthony Richardson: The Indianapolis Colts quarterback is just 23 and fits the physical profile, but he would cost significant draft capital.
- Mac Jones: currently with San Francisco, he is viewed as a bridge option rather than a savior.
- Tua Tagovailoa: The Miami Dolphins signal caller comes with high upside but significant durability questions.
- Kyler Murray: Any trade for Murray would likely be complicated and expensive.
- Malik Willis: Arguably the best free agent available, but not a franchise cornerstone.
Most of these options fail to check the boxes for the young, face of the franchise type player Cleveland desires. Anthony Richardson is the only name that fits the age profile, but acquiring him would be difficult.
This reality has pushed the Browns toward sticking with Shedeur Sanders for a full season. By committing to Sanders now, the team can focus its resources on building a super team around him. If he succeeds, they have their answer. If he struggles, the roster will be primed for a new quarterback in the 2027 draft. The priority right now is ensuring that whoever plays quarterback has legitimate weapons to throw to.
The coming weeks will be critical. If Berry can pull off a trade for either Harrison Jr. or Olave, it will drastically change the expectations for the Browns in 2026.
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