March 8, 2026, 7:40 p.m. ET
The Cleveland Browns, without a doubt, need to overhaul their wide receiver room. That will happen via NFL free agency, the 2026 NFL Draft, and even potentially the trade market.
Good news for the Cleveland Browns, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler dropped a free agency primer piece in preparation for Monday’s extravaganza, and he even included some wide receivers who are on the trade block. ESPN’s insider dropped three names in particular: Baltimore Ravens‘ Rashod Bateman, Los Angeles Chargers, Quinton Johnston, and Green Bay Packers‘ Dontayvion Wicks.
Could any of these wide receivers be a fit for the Browns?
Evaluating the Browns’ need at wide receiver
Former first round pick Rashod Bateman is clearly the most appealing name on the list, and he even has a link with new head coach Todd Monken. The only issue, however, is that the Ravens are highly unlikely to execute a trade with another AFC North rival to help them fill a need.
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Chargers’ wide receiver Johnston definitely possesses upside in his big frame with vertical speed. However, he is still fighting through inconsistencies on how to actually play the position and play through contact as he enters his fourth season in the NFL. If Johnston were added to the roster, it would be nothing more than a Day 3 flyer add.
The same can be said for Wicks. One of the more physically imposing young players, Wicks has had some issues securing the football as he enters the last year of his deal. The price to acquire Wicks would be extremely low, and the Browns may only have him on the roster for a year.
Overall, Bateman is the only intriguing name, but the barriers that must be deconstructed to send him from Baltimore to Cleveland are too steep. The Browns will have to look elsewhere than any receiver on this list.