Off-Season Primer - Cleveland Browns

2023 Record- (11-6)

In 2023, the Browns improved from a 7-10 finish in 2022 to a playoff team, finding a way to do it with having to start five different quarterbacks. Because of an early season injury to Deshaun Watson the Browns rotated between Dorian Thompson-Robinson, PJ Walker and Jeff Driskill before signing veteran Joe Flacco who played some of his best football in years. Flacco led the Browns to their first playoff berth since 2020. 

Though the Browns lost 45-14 to the Texans in the Wild Card matchup, they had plenty to be happy about. Their defense was one of the best in the NFL and led the league in yards per game allowed (270.2) and passing yards allowed (164.7). Myles Garrett was named Defensive Player of the Year and the club may have the best cornerback tandem in all of football. 

However, the Browns future hinges on Deshaun Watson and his encumbering fully guaranteed contract that he signed two seasons ago. As a player he shook off some early season rust and showed improvement but was lost to injury. The team may also have a question mark at running back, as star runner Nick Chubb suffered a gruesome leg injury in week 2 against the Steelers. His type of injury does not offer a guarantee he will ever fully recover and Jerome Ford filled in, posting 813 yards while averaging 4.0 a carry. 

Draft Picks

Round 2 - (54)

Round 3- (85)

Round 5- (134)

Round 5- (154)

Round 6- (204)

Round 6- (207)

Round 7- (227)

Free Agents

Projected Cap Space - Approximately negative $7MM. but the team has $66MM dollars in “restructuring” deals that can be made, including the potential of $33MM for Deshaun Watson.

CB- Mike Ford, Jr.

DE- Za’Darius Smith

DT- Jordan Elliott

DT- Maurice Hurst II

DT- Shelby Harris

FB/C- Nick Harris

G- Michael Dunn

LB- Anthony Walker, Jr.

LB- Jacob Phillips

LB- Jordan Kunaszyk

LB- Matthew Adams

LB- Sione Takitaki

P- Corey Bojorquez

QB- Jeff Driskill

QB- Joe Flacco

QB- P.J. Walker

RB- Kareem Hunt

S- Rodney McLeod

S- Duron Harmon

TE- Harrison Bryant

T- Geron Christian Sr.

WR- Marquise Goodwin

WR- Jakeem Grant

WR- James Proche II

DE- Sam Kamara

Cleveland is set to lose depth on offense and some important starters on defense. Defensive end Za’Darius Smith has been an excellent complement to Myles Garrett since being acquired from the Minnesota Vikings in May of 2023. He finished the 2023 season with 5.5 sacks, 3 passes defended, 1 forced fumble and 20 quarterback hits. Aside from Smith, the club is also in danger of losing one of their starting defensive tackles in Jordan Elliott and a capable inside linebacker in Sione Takitaki. 

On offense they are set to lose 3 of their quarterbacks, and have a decision to make on whether or not to fight to return veteran Joe Flacco. Flacco was the main reason Cleveland qualified for the playoffs, throwing for 1,616 yards in 5 starts, with 13 touchdowns in relief of Watson, among others. Cleveland is over the cap right now, but are “expected” to restructure Watson amongst others to save close to $66MM.

Biggest Needs 

DT

WR

RB

LB

OL

TE

Backup QB

The Browns do not have a first round pick, but if they can restructure the contacts they need to, they have an opportunity to sign some quality free agents. With their second round pick (54th overall) they could grab one of the top defensive tackles in the draft or try to improve a wide receiver corps that has underperformed over the last few years. Wide receiver Elijah Moore has excelled in brief moments but has disappeared more times than not. Wideout Amari Cooper has been their most consistent target on the perimeter but the Browns need more depth and grabbing a 2nd round receiver in a class loaded with talent could go a long way to helping them shore up that need. 

Cleveland only has 2 defensive tackles under contract (Dalvin Tomlinson, Siaki Ika) and need to get younger overall on the defensive line. If the Browns are happy with 2nd year quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and his ability to mature into a quality backup, they may not need to waste a draft pick on a 3rd string quarterback, especially if they bring back Flacco. With Harrison Bryant set to move on, the Browns will need to add depth to the tight end position through the draft or free agency. 

With the injury that Nick Chubb suffered and Kareem Hunt entering free agency, the Browns may look early in the draft to grab a running back. This pick will be solely on where Chubb’s recovery is at draft time. 

Overall, the Browns are in a good position to add some pieces and come back even stronger in 2024. Their success will likely still come down to the play of quarterback Deshaun Watson. If he can stay healthy and regain his form from his days with the Houston Texans, the club could finally have the elite quarterback they’ve been seeking since their reformulation.