The Cleveland Browns made seven picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, and two of them could signal a Jerome Ford trade. Entering the big event as the presumed starter, Ford’s stock took a hit when the team selected Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins with the 36th-overall pick. This wasn’t the most surprising pick, but nobody expected the team to double down on running backs in the fourth round. However, that’s just what they did when they selected Tennessee’s Dylan Sampson with the 126th-overall pick.
Barring injury, both players will make the Week 1 roster, with Judkins likely to win the starting job. This could make Jerome Ford available in trade talks, especially since NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports the team wants to bring back Nick Chubb. Ford is no superstar, but the former fifth-round pick has recorded an impressive 1,378 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 308 carries over the past two seasons. He’s a perfectly adequate running back that could make perfect sense as a short-term rental for a team that missed out on their preferred running back in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Browns Could Trade Jerome Ford Following Quinshon Judkins, Dylan Sampson Draft Picks
Possible Fits
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys simply cannot go into the season with Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, and fifth-round rookie Jaydon Blue battling for the starting job. This is easily the worst collection of running back talent in the NFL and won’t be enough to support a team trying to compete in a loaded NFC East. Jerome Ford might not be the second-coming of Ezekiel Elliott, but the trade target would easily be the best running back on the roster who would likely thrive with the best quarterback he’s ever had.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs can win with Isiah Pacheco, but he’s not a particularly good running back. While he is admittedly fun to watch, this team needs someone who can make more plays out of the backfield and follow his blocks on a more consistent basis. Jerome Ford can bring that stability to the running back position and help the Chiefs rebound from their blowout Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
New Orleans Saints
Alvin Kamara is still around, but he isn’t getting any younger. The veteran running back is at his best in a tandem, but New Orleans hasn’t had a worthy back for that job since Mark Ingram left all those years ago. Kendre Miller has done nothing to inspire confidence, while rookie Devin Neal is a sixth-round pick who probably won’t contribute right away.
Chicago Bears
D’Andre Swift survived the NFL Draft, as the Bears only selected Kyle Monangai in the seventh round. However, we know that he and current head coach Ben Johnson did not see eye to eye during their time with the Detroit Lions, and we know Chicago tried to trade up for a running back in the draft. Chances are, Johnson and company are still looking for an upgrade, and they could set their eyes on a Jerome Ford trade. While he’s no Ashton Jeanty, he should perform well behind a revamped offensive line.
Main Photo: Katie Stratman – Imagn Images
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