The Browns sat out the record-breaking NFL trade deadline day Tuesday. Is it because they already made the trade of the year?

In acquiring WR Amari Cooper in March, Cleveland gave up a fifth-round pick and swapped positions of sixth-rounders with the Cowboys. On Tuesday. the Steelers sent WR Chase Claypool to the Bears for a second-round pick.

Cooper has amassed 553 receiving yards and five touchdowns through the Browns’ first eight games. Claypool has 311 receiving yards and one touchdown. 

The Browns showed confidence in their team with only a minor deal in October and no deals Tuesday at the trade deadline. Rumors had swirled of a potential dealing of RB Kareem Hunt.

It’s hard to believe that Cleveland’s 32-13 win over the Bengals in Week 8 wasn’t a factor in its inactivity.

The AFC North is wide open, and the 3-5 Browns are just three games from QB Deshaun Watson returning for their Week 13 matchup vs. the Texans.

No matter who is quarterback, Cooper will play an important role as the team heads into the second half after this week’s bye.

“He’s a big part of what we do on the field. He’s a big part of who we are in this building, on the practice field,” Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters about Cooper. “He’s a talented football player. … But he’s a really, really, really good pro.”