Steelers Loss Shifts Browns’ Trade Deadline Focus to Offensive Line

Cleveland entered its Week 8 game against Pittsburgh considering a move for another pass rusher. The Browns remain in a position to buy before the trade deadline, but the Steelers’ eight sacks of Deshaun Watson underscored a more urgent need: help for the offensive line.

Watson has been sacked 33 times through eight games, the most in the NFL. Carolina is next-to-last in the league with 10 fewer sacks allowed. Cleveland has already brought in five new starting linemen, drafted Spencer Fano and Austin Barber, and acquired Tytus Howard, Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins, but the unit has continued to struggle.

The team could use one of its 11 picks in the 2027 draft, including either of its two first-round selections, to pursue a young lineman who could contribute now. Another possible route would be trading a player; Jerry Jeudy’s name has surfaced in speculation since training camp. Kansas City, Los Angeles and Washington are among the teams mentioned as possible suitors seeking receiver help.

Cleveland had also been linked with defensive-line targets including Khalil Mack and YaYa Diaby. But the loss has sharpened the case for prioritizing the offense’s protection. The Browns may need to make an outside addition in the coming weeks if they hope to challenge for the AFC North title and return to the playoffs for the first time since 2023.