CLEVELAND, Ohio — In this week’s edition of Hey, Mary Kay, I answer Browns questions about trading for a receiver, offseason storylines and more.
Hey, Mary Kay: What are the chances the Browns end up trading for Brandin Cooks? I know DeAndre Hopkins is the hot name, but Cooks is a younger, possibly cheaper former teammate of Deshaun Watson. Thanks! — James Rutkowski, Olmsted Falls, Ohio
Hey, James: In terms of the skill set, I think a smaller, shiftier receiver like Houston’s Cooks might make more sense, but he isn’t that much younger or cheaper than Arizona’s Hopkins. He’ll turn 30 in September, and Hopkins will turn 31 in June.
Both also come with sizable base salaries in 2023, with Cooks at $18 million and Hopkins at $19.45 million. The Texans would also be on the hook for $16.22 million in dead cap space even if Cooks were designated a post-June 1 trade.
As you mentioned, both flourished with Watson in Houston, and Watson could use someone he has natural chemistry with in 2023. If Watson likes him and wants the Browns to sign him, that will weigh heavily in their decision. But if the Browns decide to seriously explore trades, they might want to go a little younger and possibly aim for a player like the Jets’ 2021 second-round pick Elijah Moore, who asked to be traded before the deadline last season and ended up with only 37 receptions for 446 yards and one TD. Turning 23 in March, he is a smaller, faster receiver who can stretch a defense and might be just what Watson needs.
Recommended Browns stories
- Are Deshaun Watson and Nick Chubb a championship duo? Browns core backfield players for 2023
- Browns RG Wyatt Teller added to the 2023 Pro Bowl Games
- Who is under most pressure in 2023? Stefanski worst coach in AFC North? – Hey Terry
Hey Mary Kay: Every offseason is longer than we want it, but last year was especially long with all the off-field drama. What do you think the major storylines will be for this offseason? — Jeff Gates, Suffield, Ohio
Hey, Jeff: I think the major storylines will center on player acquisition in terms of trades and free agency. The Browns have to get creative with their roster without a No. 1 pick this year or next year. All eyes will be on the three or four key players they acquire in March to bolster the roster and supply Watson with more talent.
I believe the Browns want to keep their core players intact to try to make a strong playoff push this season, but they’ll be open to anything that improves the team. They also have decisions to make on players such as John Johnson III and Amari Cooper, who have big cap numbers for 2023, $13.5 million and $23.77 million, respectively. New defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz’s evaluation of the defensive talent will impact roster decisions. The Browns will look for a defensive tackle and No. 2 edge.
Hey, Mary Kay: I loved your article about Martin Emerson Jr. It hit home in many ways. He’s exactly the type of player we need to continue to acquire. You’ve said recently that the Browns can manipulate the cap situation a bit to acquire the big defensive tackle and speed receiver we need. With Denzel Ward and Emerson in place, Greg Newsome II seems unhappy in the slot and could be the odd man out. Newsome would a starter for many teams but we have a surplus at corner now. Could Newsome be that trade chip we need to get us the defensive tackle or even speedy receiver that we need so badly? -- Thanks, Tony Scarci, Columbus, Ohio
Hey, Tony: I hear what you’re saying, and I’ve wondered myself how the Browns will divide up the outside reps among Ward, Newsome and Emerson. But I don’t see the Browns trading any of them. Excellent cornerbacks are hard to find and develop. If anything, I think Newsome might have to continue to play inside unless the Browns acquire a designated nickel corner. It’s a good problem to have too many good corners, and with injuries at the position, there are usually plenty of outside reps to go around. I think the Browns will keep all three and find the best ways to use them.
Hey, Mary Kay: While run defense is and should be the priority this year, another weapon for Deshaun Watson is likely the next biggest need. Any chance we would have both Amari Cooper and DeAndre Hopkins and still fix the defense? Would Cooper restructure? I know we could cut Cooper and easily afford Hopkins, but while that is an upgrade it doesn’t address the dual stud WR want. — Matt Denomme, Amherst, Ohio
Hey, Matt: I think the Browns need to add at least one Pro Bowl-caliber receiver, and moving on from Cooper doesn’t seem likely at this point.
I don’t know if there’s room on the team for both Cooper and Hopkins from a salary standpoint, but the Browns definitely need a Cooper-like No. 1 and then a speedy, shiftier receiver. With the $16.6 million increase in the salary cap this year to $224.8 million, the Browns will be able to accomplish all of their roster goals, whether it’s a premier defensive tackle in free agency, a receiver in a trade or whatever they need. The cap increase will enable teams to retain some of their pending free agents.
Hey, Mary Kay: Should the Browns sign Colts wide receiver Parris Campbell, if he makes it to free agency in March? He’s an Akron, Ohio, native with a lot of speed. He ran a 4.32 40 at the NFL Combine and had a good season with the Colts last year with 63 catches and 3 TDs. At Ohio State, he demonstrated that he could make yardage after the catch, and being a former high school running back he has that skill set within him. He is only 25 years old, so I think he could have many productive years ahead, if the Browns were to sign him. — Steven C., Kettering, Ohio
Hey, Mary Kay: If Campbell hits the market, he seems to be the kind of receiver that would pique the Browns’ interest for many of the reasons you mentioned. He has the speed they sorely need and is in the right age range and probably price range. His dual-threat ability is also attractive. A second-round pick of the Colts in 2019, Campbell is probably a player they’d like to keep, and it seems like he’s just starting to come into his own. Stability at QB would help. He’d have plenty of suitors if he hits the market, and I would think there’s a chance he’d be on the Browns’ radar.
Hey, Mary Kay! Have the Browns considered bringing in a passing game coordinator? — Terrance Fairchild, Fairfield, Iowa
Hey, Terrance: The Browns already have a passing game coordinator/wide receivers coach in Chad O’Shea, but he’s interviewed for two offensive coordinator jobs this season — the Jets and Ravens — and there’s no guarantee he’ll be back. If O’Shea moves on, the Browns will replace him with someone with a similar skill set who can preside over the passing game, or give that title to someone else on the staff. The passing game will be a huge focus this season, with receivers and blockers all adjusting to Watson’s dual-threat ability.
If you or a loved one has questions and needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966 or the National Council on Program Gambling Helpline (NCPG) at 1-800-522-4700 or visit 1800gambler.net for more information. 21+ and present in Ohio. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
Ad Choices