Browns Urged to Make Stunning Trade for $275 Million Quarterback

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Browns urged to acquire Trevor Lawrence.
The Cleveland Browns could look to the trade market to find their franchise quarterback.
Cleveland has been widely expected to use an early pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft to get their franchise quarterback. Yet, NFL insider Jason Fitz of Yahoo Sports believes Cleveland should look to acquire Trevor Lawrence from the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“For that big deal he just got, the way the cap is laid out, it’s a really attainable contract, some complications for the Jags to get rid of him,” Fitz said. “But it’s an attainable contract. … Trevor Lawrence to the Browns? What do you think?”
Fitz’s co-host, Caroline Fenton, agreed and felt like Lawrence being traded to the Browns makes a ton of sense.
“That’s like a nine (out of 10). I would love this for the Cleveland Browns because it would what it would give them is stability at the quarterback position,” Fenton said. “When was the last time the Browns had stability at the quarterback position? What Trevor Lawrence can do is come in and give you just enough. You know that he would be your guy for the next five-plus years.”
Lawrence is in the midst of his five-year, $275 million deal, including $142 million guaranteed with the Jaguars. He was selected first overall in 2021, but he has struggled to live up to expectations with the Jaguars.
This season, Lawrence has gone 188-of-316 for 1,998 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions while also rushing for 4 touchdowns.
Lawrence’s Name Has Come up in Trade Rumors
In the offseason, Lawrence’s name has come up in trade rumors.
However, no deal was made, and Lawrence said the rumors weren’t true, especially due to the fact that he has a no-trade clause.
“I have a no-trade clause in my contract, so I would know about it if I was getting traded or if that was something that was going to happen,” Lawrence said during an appearance on
Lawrence is a one-time Pro Bowler and has led the Jaguars to the playoffs just once, in 2022, when he led Jacksonville to a 9-8 record. He’s 27-42 as a starting quarterback in the NFL.
Browns Remain Confident in Gabriel
Cleveland is widely expected to have a new quarterback in 2026 despite the team showing so much confidence in Dillon Gabriel.
Gabriel will remain the starter on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. Despite his struggles, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said he still has confidence in the rookie quarterback.
“Well, I think with young quarterbacks, it’s understanding that there’s going to be ups and downs,” Stefanski said on Monday. “You know, can Dillon play better? Yes, he can. Can we play better around him? Yes, we can. Can we coach him better? Yes, we can.
“So, I understand the question. But I just trust that our young players at every position, and certainly at the quarterback position, are guys that are going to work their tails off to get better every single day.”
Cleveland is a 7.5-point underdog at home against the Ravens.
JIM KELLY'S BOLD DEFENSE OF JOSH ALLEN: "CRUELTY AGAINST A YOUNG MAN WHO'S CARRYING THE BILLS"

Buffalo, NY — November 15, 2025

“What’s happening to him is a crime against football — a blatant betrayal of everything this sport stands for,” Kelly declared in an exclusive interview with ESPN. His words reverberated across the sports world, shedding light on the immense pressure Allen has been under this season. Despite Allen’s valiant efforts, the Bills' struggles on the field have led to a wave of criticism, questioning the team's future and, by extension, Allen’s ability to lead them to greatness.
Kelly, who led the Bills to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances in the 1990s, expressed disbelief at the treatment Allen has received, considering the immense weight on his shoulders. "How can people be so cruel — criticizing a young man who’s carrying an entire franchise on his shoulders, giving everything he has week after week?” Kelly added. “Josh is out there battling every game, putting his heart and soul into this team, and for people to tear him down like this, it’s beyond me.”
The harsh criticism surrounding Allen has been a polarizing topic among Bills fans and analysts alike. While some point to Allen's high-risk style of play and occasional missteps as areas of concern, Kelly insists these are the growing pains of a franchise quarterback still learning and evolving. “To me, he’s the future of the Buffalo Bills — and he deserves respect, not ridicule,” Kelly firmly stated.
Allen, who has been instrumental in leading the Bills to playoff contention for several years now, has faced an increasing amount of scrutiny in 2025. Although his athleticism and arm strength remain undeniable, the team's early struggles this season have put him under the microscope. His decision-making and consistency have been questioned in certain games, with critics demanding more from the star quarterback.
But Kelly is not having any of it. He believes the franchise should be rallying around their leader, rather than pointing fingers. “It’s easy to forget what it was like when we had our tough times,” Kelly reflected on his own experiences with the Bills during their rebuilding years. “This is a team game, and Josh isn’t out there alone. The entire team has to rise with him.”
The two-time AFL MVP went on to draw parallels between Allen’s journey and his own. “When I was with the Bills, there were times when we fell short. But we never gave up on each other. That’s the kind of support Josh needs now more than ever.”
As for Allen himself, he has continued to take the high road amid the noise. While he remains focused on his development and the Bills’ success, the weight of Kelly’s words has certainly had an impact. Bills fans, many of whom were feeling conflicted about Allen’s future, have rallied behind the support of their former quarterback.
Kelly's message is clear: it’s time to show respect and give Josh Allen the same unwavering support that helped build the legacy of the Buffalo Bills. Now, it’s up to the rest of the franchise — and the fans — to decide whether they’ll stand by their leader or allow the critiques to continue. One thing is for certain, however: Jim Kelly is not backing down from his defense of Josh Allen, and neither should the Bills.