The Cleveland Browns remain the most interesting story in the NFL. Their lackluster offensive splashes in free agency only shine a light on just how important their draft plan is. The Browns have the second overall pick and ten picks overall. It provides them with a unique opportunity to bolster their roster without a substantial financial outlay. Despite returning their starting offensive line from the 2024 season, questions linger about how the team will address its offensive needs in the draft.
The Browns’ financial situation will be a huge factor in how their offseason strategy plays out. The team has clearly planned to allocate a healthy stack of cash and cap space into quarterback Deshaun Watson. As he rehabs from a torn right Achilles tendon, everybody will be looking over their shoulders at 'big money' spending decisions. The Browns had about $12 million in cap space when they headed into free agency, so not a lot of wiggle room for splashy signings.
Even with these restrictions, General Manager Andrew Berry has expressed confidence in the team’s structure to allow them to continue to invest in the quarterback position. He stressed that Cleveland’s cash and cap situation shouldn’t be seen as prohibitive to investing more resources if it needs. The Browns have recently put a call out to QB Russell Wilson to get him in for a visit. They failed to reach an agreement to continue contract negotiations. Wilson's departure without a deal leaves the Browns in a holding pattern as they await Aaron Rodgers' decision regarding his free agency.
In the wide receiver market, ESPN analyst Matt Bowen highlighted Stefon Diggs, Amari Cooper, and Keenan Allen as some of the best available players. Yet, the Browns have not done much to address that position or the running back field. Their flirtation with free-agent quarterback Daniel Jones abruptly came to an end once he agreed to a one-year, $14 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts.
The 2023 Browns have taken some shrewd steps to find roster stability. For example, they immediately exercised right guard Wyatt Teller’s $10 million option bonus, locking him into the roster through 2025. Former inside linebacker Cornelius Lucas provides solid depth to both tackle spots. That’s particularly true considering the injury histories of Conklin and Dawand Jones, who’s a tackle.
Even the team’s defensive stalwart Myles Garrett showed faith in GM Andrew Berry’s master plan for the team.
"Just leaning on [Berry] and his expertise," Garrett said last week, "and knowing that he has a plan on what this team and this offense will look like going forward, and he's going to put the best offense possible out there. He's going to get a QB that we all continue to have faith in, and we're going to go out and do our thing on defense."
With the draft approaching, the Browns are at an interesting crossroads to decide how they will continue to improve their roster. They’ve done little in the way of big-time adds at receiver and running back. With those glaring holes, their draft strategy will be key in addressing and upgrading those positions. The team's management must carefully navigate their options, balancing immediate needs with long-term development.
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