Browns Weigh Options: Olave or Harrison Jr. Trade?

Cleveland exploring blockbuster deals for Ohio State stars

Feb. 25, 2026 at 11:41pm

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The Cleveland Browns are reportedly exploring a major trade to land a top-tier wide receiver, with former Ohio State stars Chris Olave and Marvin Harrison Jr. emerging as the top targets. GM Andrew Berry must weigh the pros and cons of each potential deal, balancing the steep draft capital required against the salary cap implications of securing a long-term extension for Olave versus the more cost-controlled rookie contract of Harrison.

Why it matters

The Browns are in a critical offseason as they look to build a championship contender around quarterback Deshaun Watson. Adding an elite wide receiver like Olave or Harrison Jr. could be a game-changer, but the financial and draft asset costs of each deal present tough tradeoffs for Berry to navigate.

The details

Olave is entering 2026 on a fully guaranteed $15.49 million fifth-year option with the Saints, meaning Cleveland would need to quickly extend him to a lucrative long-term deal. Harrison Jr., the Cardinals' recent 4th overall pick, is still on his rookie contract with a more manageable $9.64 million cap hit for 2026, but would likely require the Browns to surrender significantly more draft capital to pry him away from Arizona.

  • The 2026 NFL Combine is currently taking place in Indianapolis.

The players

Chris Olave

A former star wide receiver at Ohio State, Olave is currently playing for the New Orleans Saints.

Marvin Harrison Jr.

The son of Hall of Fame wide receiver Marvin Harrison, Marvin Harrison Jr. was the 4th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals.

Andrew Berry

The general manager of the Cleveland Browns, known for his aggressive approach to improving the roster.

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What they’re saying

“According to whispers in Indianapolis (amplified by SB Nation managing editor Jared Mueller), GM Andrew Berry is actively exploring a blockbuster trade to land a premier wide receiver. The two biggest names reportedly on the radar? Chris Olave and Marvin Harrison Jr.”

— Jared Mueller, SB Nation managing editor (Sporting News)

What’s next

The Browns will need to weigh the tradeoffs of each potential deal and make a decision ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft in April.

The takeaway

Cleveland's pursuit of an elite wide receiver like Olave or Harrison Jr. highlights the team's aggressive approach to building a championship contender, but the financial and draft capital costs of each deal present challenging decisions for GM Andrew Berry to navigate this offseason.