When Joe Flacco took over, the Browns’ offense went from unsure to desperate. He didn’t merely provide experience; he provided command. And even though Deshaun Watson and Jameis Winston fight for reps now, Flacco’s short stint in Cleveland still resonates in the minds of veterans who noticed how much cleaner things were with an old hand in the huddle.

Maybe that’s why cornerback Denzel Ward is joining the fray now, after word surfaced that Terry McLaurin has asked to be traded out of Washington. Although the Commanders have “no interest” in parting ways with their top wideout, other teams in the league, including the Browns in Cleveland, are considering a move. Ward is making his case already.

On X, Ward took some time out to send a message to his team: “My Ohio State brother Terry McLaurin would look fire in a Cleveland Browns jersey (fire emoji) I’m just saying.” No doubt, if this trade happens, it will have the Browns possess the steady separator they didn’t have during last season’s playoffs.

Flacco’s success at the end revealed a plain fact: the Browns’ offense can play at a high level if the timing of the routes is crisp and receivers are creating separation. McLaurin, with his top-tier short-area quickness and ruggedness in the middle of the field, fits that description to a T. Despite being technically signed through 2025, his increasing irritation with Washington’s merry-go-round at quarterback has created a small window that players like Ward don’t want to let go.

As much as the front office is being careful, Cleveland’s veterans are urging action. Ward provided them with an idea of what can be done. McLaurin could be the weapon that makes it feasible