The Cleveland Browns are making a veteran move, bringing longtime NFL executive Trent Baalke on board in a "consultant-like capacity," according to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports.
Baalke, 62, has been out of football since being fired as General Manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2025 offseason. His four-year tenure in Jacksonville was a rollercoaster, featuring head coaches Urban Meyer, Doug Pederson, and interim coach Darrell Bevell, with the team posting a 25-43 record during that stretch.
Before his time with the Jaguars, Baalke served as General Manager of the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2016, where he helped build a roster that reached Super Bowl XLVII. His NFL journey began in 1998 as a scout for the New York Jets, and he's also spent time with the Washington Commanders.
For Browns fans, this hire signals the front office is looking to add experienced depth as they aim to build on their recent momentum. Baalke's eye for talent—especially on the defensive side—could be a valuable asset in scouting and roster evaluation. Whether this leads to a more permanent role remains to be seen, but for now, Cleveland is tapping into decades of NFL knowledge.
