It’s hard not to see this as a sign that Cleveland is shifting its priorities after expecting to be a playoff contender. Teams with playoff aspirations typically don’t give a veteran like Cooper mid-year draft compensation. Although the five-time Pro Bowler is performing well below his best, his departure makes the Browns worse.

As an asset play, trading Cooper makes sense. He’s headed to free agency after the season and a third-round pick in 2025 is a solid return considering the circumstances.

But it’s never a good idea for a franchise to go from struggling to rebuilding after six weeks. James certainly isn’t the only Northeast Ohio resident who is beside himself.