Just as sure as death and taxes, the Browns are going to 'Brown'. The Pittsburgh Steelers' AFC North rival finished last in the division in 2024 and held the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. It seemed impossible to mess up the selection, but we all knew better.
With Travis Hunter ripe for the picking, the Browns could have had a generational prospect who is projected to be a perennial Pro Bowler at either wide receiver or cornerback (maybe even both). But instead of making a no-brainer decision and selecting the best player in the draft, the Browns traded the second pick in the draft to the Jacksonville Jaguars for pick No. 5.
The trade also includes Cleveland sending a fourth-round pick (No. 104) and a sixth-round pick (No. 200) for a Jacksonville second-round pick (No. 36), fourth-round pick (No. 126), and their 2026 first-round pick.
Hunter could have been a nightmare to the Steelers, Ravens, and Bengals twice per year over the next decade. Instead, the Browns appear to be content with settling for lesser prospects with a haul of draft picks.
The Pittsburgh Steelers should be relieved Travis Hunter won't be in the AFC North
The Cleveland Browns continue to make all the wrong moves. After striking out on their trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson, the Browns had a chance to land one of the best prospects since taking Myles Garrett in the 2017 NFL Draft and messed it up. Now, Steelers fans can breathe a sigh of relief that they won't have to face Travis Hunter twice per year.
Though Cleveland will now have more picks in their pocket to build the foundation of their roster, they will do so without a go-to option in the passing game who doubles as a ball-hawking cornerback.
Football is a team sport, but it's also a game of superstars. Hunter was one of the best players I've ever scouted, and he should have a terrific future in the NFL. But it's hilarious that the Cleveland Browns were somehow able to mess this up. And Pittsburgh Steelers fans can only sit back and laugh.