After acquiring Jared Verse earlier this offseason as part of the Myles Garrett trade, the latest Cleveland Browns trade rumors project they could move Isaiah McGuire before the 2026 season. The Browns haven’t been afraid of moving as many players as possible, especially after hiring new head coach Todd Monken. Now, the acquisition of Verse leaves the status of McGuire’s role on this roster in question, and with him heading into the final year of his deal, a trade is likely.
Originally selected in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the move wouldn’t be too surprising. With the likes of CB Denzel Ward and safety Grant Delpit predicted to be traded, the team moving McGuire probably could happen in the next few weeks. Alex Wright is in the fold for a few more years after signing a new extension, so expect the Browns to build more draft capital.
This doesn’t mean they’re trading Wright, too. Does it make sense to trade the former 2023 selection before the 2026 season? It depends on what Cleveland believes is best. The Browns still have a chance to make a decent run this upcoming season, but don’t expect anything special.
Browns Trade Rumors: $4.5M Defender May Be Unloaded Ahead of NFL Training Camp
Now or Later?
Cleveland may want to wait this one out. The last thing they’d want is to lose Verse during the season, and someone like McGuire could be ready to step up. If the Browns still have a losing season, this is where they could increase his value during the year. With this, yes, the Browns should wait before the trade deadline to make this happen.
Here are three teams who could take a chance on the rotational defender.
Potential Destinations
Dallas Cowboys
After finally upgrading the linebacker unit for their defense, the Dallas Cowboys are loaded. The team drafted Jaishawn Barham and Malachi Lawrence to bolster its edge, but there’s still work to do on the defensive line. Behind Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark, the team has one of the worst depth charts in today’s league. Tyrus Wheat is only good as a rotational defender, but he needs more help if he wants to make an impact.
Jonathan Bullard hasn’t done much to confidently say this defense is perfect. McGuire won’t be a starter in Dallas, but he could emerge as a hidden gem behind Clark, who struggled in some moments during the 2025 season.
New England Patriots
Meanwhile, of course, head coach Mike Vrabel is going to look for more ferocious defenders to help Christian Barmore and Milton Williams. Behind them, there’s plenty of depth work to be done. While they drafted Gabe Jacas to improve the LB unit, they can’t really rely on two high-profile defensive ends or else they’d risk wearing them out. McGuire coming in might benefit this defense, but don’t expect it to be an overnight success.
Last season, the team had one of the scariest defenses, but it wasn’t enough to stop Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl. The Patriots should use that as motivation to garner as many defenders as possible to supplement QB Drake Maye and position him in excellent field possession.
Carolina Panthers
After signing Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd, are the Carolina Panthers finished yet? They shouldn’t be. The team probably has one of the most underrated defenses, but they’re one step closer to having a dominating unit. Tershawn Wharton is healthy, but he’s barely scratching the surface.
Derrick Brown is still playing at a high-level, but there’s still work to be done. McGuire might not be a starter here, but it gives him a chance to compete for a starting role if Wharton suffers another injury.
