ESPN Declares Browns as Winner of Travis Hunter Trade with Jaguars

The blockbuster 2025 NFL Draft deal is already looking lopsided in Cleveland's favor.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:18pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fractured football game, with the dominant colors being the official team colors of the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars.The Browns' savvy maneuvering in the 2025 NFL Draft trade with the Jaguars has them positioned to emerge as the clear winners of the blockbuster deal.Cleveland Today

In a trade during the 2025 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars traded up to the second overall pick to select Travis Hunter, a highly touted two-way player who was expected to contribute at both cornerback and wide receiver. However, after Hunter's injury-shortened rookie season, ESPN's Seth Walder has declared the Cleveland Browns as the clear winners of the trade, citing the strong production from the players the Browns acquired in the deal.

Why it matters

The Browns' ability to turn the trade into multiple contributors, including a potential star running back, has already made the deal look lopsided in their favor. If the Browns can also land a quality player with the 2026 first-round pick they acquired, it will further cement their victory in the trade.

The details

The Browns traded the No. 2 overall pick, along with the 104th and 200th picks, to the Jaguars in exchange for the No. 5 pick, the 36th and 126th selections in the 2025 draft, and a 2026 first-round pick (24th overall). The Browns have already seen strong production from the players they acquired, including defensive tackle Mason Graham and running back Quinshon Judkins. Meanwhile, Hunter's injury-plagued rookie season has raised questions about his ability to be an impact two-way player in the NFL.

  • The trade occurred during the 2025 NFL Draft.
  • Hunter's rookie season was in 2025.

The players

Travis Hunter

A highly touted two-way player selected by the Jaguars in the 2025 NFL Draft, who was expected to contribute at both cornerback and wide receiver.

Mason Graham

A defensive tackle selected by the Browns in the 2025 NFL Draft as part of the trade with the Jaguars.

Quinshon Judkins

A running back selected by the Browns in the 2025 NFL Draft as part of the trade with the Jaguars, who had a strong rookie season.

Seth Walder

An ESPN analyst who declared the Browns as the clear winners of the Travis Hunter trade.

Cleveland Browns

The NFL team that traded the No. 2 overall pick to the Jaguars in exchange for multiple picks, including a 2026 first-rounder.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The NFL team that traded up to the No. 2 overall pick to select Travis Hunter in the 2025 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“As of now, who won the trade? The Browns. Any time a team deals a first-round pick to move up in the draft for a non-quarterback, the deck is stacked against it in terms of its odds of winning the trade.”

— Seth Walder, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Browns will look to use the 2026 first-round pick they acquired in the trade to further bolster their roster and solidify their victory in the deal.

The takeaway

The Browns' ability to turn the Travis Hunter trade into multiple contributors, including a potential star running back, has already made the deal look lopsided in their favor. If they can also land a quality player with the 2026 first-round pick, it will further cement their victory in the high-profile trade.