With the season now well into the rear-view mirror, it is time to look ahead to free agency. Players cannot officially sign with teams until March 16th, which is when the new league year begins. Let us look ahead at three key positions that the Browns need to address. How Cleveland does in free agency will also be a tell-tale sign of what they do in the draft, which will happen at the end of April.
Wide Receiver
Probably the most glaring position of need on the Cleveland Browns is the wide receiver position. Cleveland’s WR room is led by Jarvis Landry, Donovan Peoples-Jones, and Anthony Schwartz, but that is really it. Add on top of that Landry may not be in Cleveland next year due to contract and cap space issues. With that, Cleveland is starving for a receiver and there are a couple of viable options on the market. WR Davante Adams would be a dream, but it will probably stay as a dream. Other top receivers like Chris Godwin and Allen Robinson are also available, as well as JuJu Smith-Schuster, who played for the Steelers. Godwin is seemingly the best fit with his ability to get open and stretch the field and would complement well with Donovan Peoples-Jones. If they want a deep threat, they can also go after WR Michael Gallup. While free agency will dictate this, the Browns are likely to go through the draft for a receiver, but there are definitely options out there if need be.
Linebacker
Despite the emergence of rookie Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, the Browns have question marks at their other starting linebacker positions. Anthony Walker is a free agent, while Sione Takitaki, Jacob Phillips, and Mack Wilson have yet to establish themselves as true starters. Because of that, Cleveland should look to sign a legitimate starter in free agency. There are no superstars on the market, but there are viable veterans like Dont’a Hightower and Jon Bostic who can be starters from day one. LB Chandler Jones is also available, but he would play defensive end for the Browns scheme since he is more of a pass rusher. Like receivers, the Browns can also go through the draft, but if they go through free agency, there are some veterans out there that can give the Browns consistent play that they need outside of JOK.
Defensive Lineman
Moving up a level on the defense, the Browns should address the defensive line in free agency, specifically DE Jadeveon Clowney. After signing a one-year deal with the Browns, Clowney flourished, totaling nine sacks, including 5.5 in the last three games. He was also good in the run game, totaling 11 tackles for loss and 37 total tackles, which were his best since 2018. If Cleveland wants, they can get the band back together and sign Sheldon Richardson and Larry Ogunjobi for their interior, but that seems unlikely. If they lose Clowney, Emmanuel Ogbah is a very good option for the Browns, as well as Jason Pierre-Paul and Akiem Hicks. Also, there have been rumors that the Cowboys may cut DE DeMarcus Lawrence. If that does happen, Cleveland should jump at that opportunity if it is not too expensive of a signing. Complementing Myles Garrett is so important for not only his success, but the success of the defense as a whole, so signing big-time linemen, whether it is on the inside or the edge, will prove to be drastically important for Cleveland in 2022.
Info from profootballreference.com and spotrac.com
Writer
-By: Richie Dordas