Maliek Collins' Injury Sparks Trade Speculation for the Cleveland Browns

In the high-stakes race for NFL playoff spots, injuries to key players can quickly shift a team’s trajectory—and for the Cleveland Browns, a recent knee injury to defensive tackle Maliek Collins has done more than weaken their defensive line: it’s ignited widespread trade speculation. Collins, a 29-year-old veteran who’s been a anchor of the Browns’ run defense since signing a three-year deal in 2023, suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain during a Week 13 practice, sidelining him for an estimated 4-6 weeks. With the Browns fighting for a wild-card spot and their defensive line already thin due to earlier injuries, the question of whether the team will pursue a trade to fill Collins’ role has become a top topic among analysts, fans, and league insiders. Maliek Collins' Injury Sparks Trade Speculation for the Cleveland Browns explores the details of Collins’ injury, the team’s defensive needs, potential trade targets, and the financial realities that could shape their next move.

Maliek Collins' Injury Sparks Trade Speculation for the Cleveland Browns first gained traction in the immediate aftermath of the injury announcement, when Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged the team’s need to “explore all options” to bolster the defensive line. Collins’ absence leaves a significant gap: through 12 games, he’d recorded 32 tackles, 4 sacks, and 8 quarterback hits, while ranking among the top 15 defensive tackles in the NFL in run-stop percentage (per Pro Football Focus). Without him, the Browns are left relying on backup Tommy Togiai—a 2021 fourth-round pick with limited game experience—and veteran Shelby Harris, who’s primarily played defensive end. “Collins isn’t just a starter—he’s a tone-setter for our run defense,” said Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz in a press conference. “When you lose a player who can clog the middle and push the pocket, you have to consider every way to replace that production.” The timing of the injury adds urgency: the NFL’s trade deadline for the 2025 season is just three weeks away, giving the Browns a narrow window to negotiate deals before rosters are locked in for the stretch run. Local sports radio host Mike Polk Jr. summed up the sentiment: “The Browns can’t afford to let their playoff hopes slip because of one injury—if there’s a viable trade target out there, they have to pull the trigger.”

A key factor fueling trade speculation is the list of potential available defensive tackles across the league, many of whom play for teams out of playoff contention and could be willing to part with veterans for draft picks. One name repeatedly linked to the Browns is Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, a 10-year veteran with a proven track record in run defense. Hankins, who’s in the final year of his contract, has 26 tackles and 1 sack this season and would immediately step into Collins’ role as a run-stopping interior lineman. Another target is New England Patriots’ Christian Barmore, a younger player (25) with pass-rushing upside, though the Patriots may demand a higher draft pick in return. “Hankins makes the most sense for the Browns,” said former NFL general manager Scott Pioli. “He’s a rental—so they won’t have to give up a first-round pick—and he’s exactly the type of player who can fill Collins’ role without needing time to learn the system.” League sources have also mentioned the Arizona Cardinals’ Leki Fotu as a possible target, noting that the Cardinals’ rebuilding status makes them likely to listen to offers. For the Browns, the challenge will be balancing the need for immediate help with the desire to hold onto draft capital for future seasons—a tension that’s at the heart of most midseason trade debates.

A defining aspect of Maliek Collins' Injury Sparks Trade Speculation for the Cleveland Browns is the team’s salary cap situation, which could limit their ability to take on high-priced contracts. The Browns are currently projected to have approximately \(8.5 million in cap space (per Over the Cap), enough to absorb a player like Hankins (who’s earning \)3.5 million this season) but not enough for a top-tier defensive tackle with a large salary. This means the Browns may need to target players in the final year of their contracts or ask teams to absorb a portion of the salary in exchange for a lower draft pick. “Cap space is the Browns’ biggest constraint here,” said salary cap analyst Joel Corry. “They can’t afford to take on a long-term, high-dollar deal right now—not with big contracts coming up for Myles Garrett and Amari Cooper. Any trade they make will have to be financially feasible.” The Cleveland Browns have also hinted at a willingness to part with late-round draft picks (2026 fourth or fifth round) to acquire help, a strategy they used in 2023 when they traded a fifth-round pick for wide receiver Elijah Moore. “We’re not going to mortgage our future for a rental,” said Browns executive vice president Andrew Berry. “But we’re also not going to let a winnable season slip away because we were too conservative.”

Another layer of the trade speculation involves the Browns’ recent history with midseason trades—a track record that suggests they’re willing to act aggressively when it benefits the team. In 2022, they traded for quarterback Deshaun Watson (a blockbuster deal that cost multiple first-round picks) to address a long-standing position of need. In 2023, they added Moore and backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs via trade to shore up depth. This history has led fans and analysts to believe the Browns won’t hesitate to make a move if the right opportunity arises. “The Browns have shown they’re not afraid to trade for players who can help them win now,” said Cleveland.com Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot. “They know their window with this core group (Garrett, Watson, Nick Chubb) is limited, so they’ll do what it takes to compete this season.” For the Cleveland Browns, the decision also hinges on Collins’ recovery timeline: if medical staff determine he could return earlier than expected (3 weeks instead of 6), the team may opt for a cheaper, short-term solution (like signing a free agent) rather than a trade. But if the injury lingers, a trade becomes far more likely. “We’re taking it day by day with Maliek,” Stefanski said. “But we have to plan for every scenario—including the possibility that he’s out longer than we hope.”

Wrapping up, Maliek Collins' Injury Sparks Trade Speculation for the Cleveland Browns highlights the delicate balance NFL teams face between short-term competitiveness and long-term planning. Collins’ injury has exposed a vulnerability in the Browns’ defensive line, and the team’s response will say much about their playoff aspirations this season. While a trade for a defensive tackle like Hankins or Barmore could solidify their run defense and keep their playoff hopes alive, it also comes with risks: giving up draft picks, taking on salary, and potentially disrupting team chemistry. For fans, the speculation is a mix of excitement and anxiety—eager to see the team compete but wary of giving up future assets. For the Browns’ front office, the next three weeks will be a test of strategy and patience. “At the end of the day, we have to do what’s best for the team—both now and in the future,” Berry said. “If there’s a trade that makes sense, we’ll make it. If not, we’ll trust the players we have to step up.” Whether the Browns make a trade or not, one thing is clear: Maliek Collins’ injury has added a new layer of drama to their season—and kept fans and analysts talking about what could happen next. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, every decision matters—and this one could be the difference between a playoff run and a disappointing end to the year.