Getty

Browns hire Trent Baalke.

The Cleveland Browns have added some more experience to the front office following the NFL Draft.

Cleveland’s front office is led by Andrew Berry who is the team’s general manager, and has been solid at drafting players, but the Deshaun Watson trade is a major stain on his resume. So, after the NFL Draft, the team has reportedly hired former Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke in a consultant role, according to CBS Sports reporter Matt Zenitz.

“The Browns have added longtime NFL executive Trent Baalke in a consultant-like capacity, a source tells CBS Sports. Was most recently general manager of the Jaguars from 2021-24. Was also a GM with the 49ers from 2011-16,” Zenitz wrote on X.

Baalke was the 49ers GM from 2011-16, and in his second year as GM, he led San Francisco to a Super Bowl appearance against the Baltimore Ravens, but the 49ers lost. After making the playoffs again in 2013, the 49ers missed the playoffs three straight years, including a 2-14 season in 2016, which led to his firing.

In 2017, Baalke was hired as a football operations consultant for the NFL. He then got a front office job with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020 before being named GM in 2021. However, he struggled mightily with the Jaguars, and on January 22, 2025, Baalke was fired after a number of head coach candidates did not want to work with him. Under Baalke as their general manager, the Jaguars had a 25–43 record.

Along with Baalke, former Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders GM Tom Telesco helped the Browns’ front office during the draft process. However, it’s unknown if he remains part of the front office.

Notable Baalke Moves

Baalke, throughout his GM career, was known to trade down in the NFL Draft.

He was also good at finding talent in the NFL Draft. He led the 49ers’ 2010 NFL Draft, which saw the team draft Anthony Davis, Mike Iupati, and third-round linebacker NaVorro Bowman. In the year to follow, Baalke was able to draft Aldon Smith, Colin Kaepernick, Kendall Hunter, Daniel Kilgore, and Colin Jones in 2011.

In the years to follow, some notable players Baalke drafted are Jimmie Ward, Dontae Johnson, Arik Armstead, and Mike Davis, among others.

With the Jaguars, Baalke landed Trevor Lawrence, Trevor Etienne, Tyson Campbell, and Walker Little in his first draft, among others. He also selected Travon Walker, Devin Lloyd, Brenton Strange, Tank Bigsby, Parker Washington, Brian Thomas Jr., Maason Smith, and Cam Little, among others.

Overall, Baalke is solid at the NFL Draft, but there were some concerns by coaches not wanting to work under him, which led to his firing. Yet, he can add some more experience to the Browns’ front office.

Browns GM ‘Pleased’ With NFL Draft

Cleveland hiring Baalke comes after the Browns’ solid 2026 NFL Draft.

The Browns were able to address their two biggest needs in the first round by selecting offensive tackle Spencer Fano and wide receiver KC Concepcion.

Before the NFL Draft ended, Berry spoke to the media and was pleased with what his team accomplished.

“We’re really pleased with where we sit today with the combination of players and future assets that we’re able to create. You know, we’re looking forward to finishing strong and signing some undrafted free agents that can help our club this year,” Berry said.

The Browns are hoping to be more competitive in 2026 and push for a playoff spot.