Browns’ perfect Justin Herbert trade offer if Chargers decide to jump ship on franchise QB appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Cleveland Browns are winning games and leading the AFC North. They are riding a defense capable of keeping them competitive against almost anyone. However, their offense still lacks the consistency expected of a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Deshaun Watson has struggled under relentless pressure. Cleveland cannot keep asking its defense to rescue every close game. Enter Justin Herbert. The Los Angeles Chargers quarterback would represent an extraordinary upgrade. He would give head coach Todd Monken the arm talent and decision-making potential to unlock Cleveland’s offensive ceiling. A trade remains a long shot, with Los Angeles reportedly unwilling to consider moving Herbert. Still, if the Chargers ever change course, general manager Andrew Berry should be prepared with an aggressive offer. Two first-round picks, a second-rounder, and Shedeur Sanders would be a bold starting point for a franchise-altering deal.
Winning masks a problem
Through six games, Cleveland has emerged as one of the NFL’s most intriguing stories. They have climbed to 4-2 and the top of the AFC North. The Browns have beaten Baltimore and Pittsburgh in dramatic divisional contests. Watson has produced seven touchdown passes against two interceptions. However, he has also taken 24 sacks in six games. Cleveland’s defense ranks among the league’s best in points allowed, while its offense has scored just 17.7 points per game. The formula has worked so far, but it leaves little room for error against elite postseason opponents.
That is why Herbert deserves consideration, even if the idea sounds far-fetched. The Chargers have started 0-6, and Herbert has endured one of the most difficult stretches of his career. Still, his talent remains undeniable. He is also under contract through 2029. Reports indicate Los Angeles has no intention of trading him. Any Cleveland pursuit would therefore require a dramatic change in the Chargers’ thinking.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
Perfect blockbuster package
If Los Angeles eventually decides to rebuild, Cleveland should make an offer difficult to dismiss. Berry could package the Browns’ 2027 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick, 2027 second-round pick, and Sanders in exchange for Herbert.
That is a substantial price, and it should be. Franchise quarterbacks rarely become available, especially those with Herbert’s skill set. Two first-rounders and a second-round selection would give the Chargers significant draft flexibility, while Sanders would provide another quarterback option as the organization evaluates its future.
For Cleveland, surrendering that much draft capital would be a calculated gamble. The Browns would sacrifice opportunities to add young talent across multiple positions. However, they would acquire a quarterback capable of elevating the entire offense. A deal of this magnitude would also require careful salary-cap planning. That’s given Watson’s existing contract and Herbert’s substantial financial commitment.
The Browns should not make this offer simply because the Chargers are struggling. They should do so only if Los Angeles genuinely opens the door and Cleveland’s financial projections show a workable path. Still, if Herbert becomes available, hesitation could cost the Browns their best chance to acquire a proven franchise quarterback.
Transform Todd Monken’s offense
Herbert’s appeal goes beyond his physical tools. He has the arm strength to stretch defenses vertically and the accuracy to attack intermediate windows. He also has the experience to operate in a variety of offensive systems. Those qualities could give Monken the flexibility to design a more aggressive passing attack instead of relying on short gains and difficult third-down conversions.
Pairing Herbert with Jerry Jeudy would create an immediate opportunity to improve Cleveland’s perimeter passing game. The Browns could also build around their existing receiving options and use their running game to prevent defenses from concentrating exclusively on the quarterback. Most importantly, Herbert’s ability to threaten every part of the field could make opposing defenses pay for loading the box or blitzing aggressively.
There is no guarantee that one quarterback would fix every problem. Cleveland would still need to improve its pass protection and maintain their defensive strength. Still, Herbert would give the offense a higher ceiling than its current production suggests.
Financial and strategic risks
The biggest obstacle is not convincing Cleveland that Herbert would be an upgrade. It is making the trade financially and strategically viable. Watson’s contract remains a major complication. Acquiring Herbert would require Cleveland to navigate a substantial quarterback investment while preserving enough resources to build the rest of the roster.
The proposed package would also leave the Browns with fewer premium draft picks over the next two years. That matters for a team still trying to establish sustained success. Berry would need to ensure the remaining roster could support Herbert rather than expecting the quarterback to solve every deficiency himself.
Cleveland should be ready
Herbert is not currently on the trade market in any meaningful sense. As such, the Browns should continue pursuing realistic ways to improve their offense. Thats said, if the Chargers ever reconsider their position, Cleveland should be prepared to make an aggressive offer.
Two first-round picks, a second-rounder, and Sanders would represent a serious commitment to winning now. It would be expensive, risky, and complicated but also potentially transformative.
The Browns already have a defense capable of carrying them into the postseason. Adding Herbert could finally give them the offensive firepower to match it. If that opportunity ever becomes real, Berry should be ready to make the call.
Related: Browns’ Deshaun Watson reacts to clutch play overcoming trash offense to get into 1st place
Related: Did Browns’ Jerry Jeudy just save himself from being traded with game-winning catch vs. Ravens?