Despite taking a pay cut, the Cleveland Browns could look to trade veteran running back Jerome Ford before the 2205 regular season. According to a report, Ford took a new deal in his contract to stay with the team for the upcoming season, but it doesn’t necessarily secure a future in Cleveland. The Browns are in rebuild mode again after taking several quarterbacks, including Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. However, the biggest implication is that the team drafted two running backs, and one of them is Ohio State’s Quinshon Judkins early this year, and also took Tennessee’s Dylan Sampson with the 126th-overall pick.
Barring any unfortunate circumstances of injuries, Ford is still on pace to become the starter for this unit, but that may change come the preseason or at NFL Training Camp if the two new running backs decide to impress. While it’s not surprising the Browns got running backs during the draft since they don’t plan to bring back Nick Chubb, it’s still worth mentioning that Ford might not have a starting job, and since they’ve been reluctant to giving him a long-term deal, this could all but signal a trade that may be in the works. Originally selected in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the former Alabama and Cincinnati product is still an adequate backfield piece after recording 1,378 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in two seasons. He should have a market, and these four teams could trade for him for backup duties.
REPORT: Browns Could Trade Veteran Jerome Ford After Latest Move – 4 Top Suitors
Possible Destinations
Dallas Cowboys
Despite drafting Jaydon Blue and signing both Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, the Dallas Cowboys still have one of the worst running back units in the league. While Blue has the most upside in this situation, neither Sanders nor Williams has the long-term stability to be a capable backup. Jerome Ford could be a better backup in this situation to give some relief as a heavy workhorse running back to be an efficient option, especially in the red zone.
Kansas City Chiefs
Meanwhile, Isiah Pacheco is good, but he’s on the hot seat as he’s entering the final year of his contract, and the competition isn’t getting any easier with the Chiefs signing Elijah Mitchell in free agency. Veteran Kareem Hunt won’t take anyone’s job for the long term, but don’t expect him to stick around in Kansas City for long. Ford could put the Chiefs back in the Super Bowl, guiding Pacheco to avenge their loss this year.
New Orleans Saints
Alvin Kamara is one of the best runners in today’s game, but it should be worth noting that he’s only getting older. The Saints have yet to find an adequate backup since releasing Jamaal Williams this offseason, but there’s still time. Kendre Miller hasn’t done much to intrigue the organization, so Ford is the better option in backup duties for the time being.
Washington Commanders
Speaking of inadequate talent, the Commanders’ biggest hole on this offensive roster is the running back position. Brian Robinson Jr. has some left to prove, but he hasn’t been much of an exciting player. Meanwhile, Austin Ekeler is injury-prone and could use some assistance from Ford to finally push for a Lombardi trophy.
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