Browns Free Agency Recap

With almost two weeks passed since the start of the legal tampering period, I wanted to provide an overview of every free agency move made by the Browns. Coming off an injury-riddled season, Cleveland’s primary focus was to add depth at critical positions while also retaining key contributors from last year. Without spoiling too much, I feel like this front office has done an excellent job meeting these objectives. Let’s take a look at who the Browns were able to sign in free agency up to this point!

QB Jameis Winston

Details: 1 year, $4,000,000 (fully guaranteed)

Flacco-fever is officially over in Cleveland, with the Browns signing Jameis Winston to be their backup in 2024. After rushing DTR into the backup role last year, the Browns approach that position more cautiously this season. Winston, who was selected first overall by the Bucs in the 2015 draft, served as a five-year starter in Tampa. While leading the league in passing attempts and yards in his final year with the Buccaneers, Winston also threw for the most interceptions that season. Following his tenure in Tampa, Winston joined the Saints in 2020 as the backup for Drew Brees. After Brees’ retirement, Winston became the Saints’ starting quarterback and showcased significant improvement in protecting the football, evident in his 14-3 touchdown-interception ratio and an overall record of 5-2. However, injury struggles ultimately cost Winston his position in New Orleans.

Considering the entire Deshaun Watson situation, I believe adding another veteran quarterback to the room was the right decision. While I am not yet ready to give up on DTR as the backup quarterback, this acquisition could give him another year to develop and benefit from the experience of two seasoned veterans in practice. Flacco’s offense in Cleveland was centered around taking risks down the field, a trait Jameis Winston is no stranger to. Ideally, Deshaun Watson stays healthy and gets closer to his old self again, keeping Winston off the field entirely. However, Jameis provides a reliable backup option to fall back on, should anything happen to Deshaun Watson.

Grade: B+

QB Tyler Huntley

Details: 1 year, $1,292,500 ($469,900 guaranteed)

Huntley spent his first four seasons in the NFL as Lamar Jackson’s backup in Baltimore. He started a total of 9 games for the Ravens, posting a record of 3-6, and earned himself a Pro Bowl selection as an injury replacement in 2022. With the addition of Jameis Winston, there’s likely only room for one more quarterback on the 53-man roster. While DTR has shown promising flashes, he clearly wasn’t quite ready to be starting games in the NFL last year. Huntley and DTR share a similar playing style, posing significant threats on play action and read options. Both of these are prominent concepts in Cleveland’s offense with Deshaun Watson, making DTR and Huntley ideal backups. Ultimately, the Browns will face a somewhat tough decision, as it’s unlikely they’ll be able to retain either DTR or Huntley on the practice squad.

Grade: B-

WR Jerry Jeudy

Trade:

Trade compensation: 2024 5th-round (#135) and 6th-round (#202) picks

Details: 1 year, $12,987,000 million (fully guaranteed)

Cleveland had shown interest in trading for Jeudy last year, but failed to reach an agreement before the trade deadline. Much like the acquisition of Amari Cooper in 2022, the Browns jumped free agency by making their move before the tampering period began. Although Jeudy didn’t fully meet expectations in Denver, he still had some productive seasons with the Broncos. Over his four-year tenure, Jeudy finished three seasons with 750 or more receiving yards and scored 11 touchdowns. After leaving a chaotic situation in Denver, his best football is certainly ahead of him.

Jeudy’s most significant weakness lies in his struggle to fight through contact, given his slightly undersized frame. This limitation might prevent him from becoming a true number one option for this team in the future. Nevertheless, Jeudy remains one of the league’s top route runners, coupled with true deep threat speed. If Stefanski is able to get creative with Jeudy’s alignments (bunches, motions, etc.), I believe he can be a very productive complement to Amari Cooper. With Cooper entering a contract year, the Browns still need a long term plan for their number one receiver. However, this was a great acquisition to provide Deshaun Watson with additional support in 2024!

Grade: A

Extension:

Details: 3 years, $58,000,000 ($41,000,000 guaranteed)

Considering that Jeudy hasn’t yet taken a single snap for the Browns, this contract carries a degree of risk. With Jeudy playing on his fifth-year option, Cleveland could have opted to test his impact before entering negotiations next offseason. However, given that Amari Cooper and Elijah Moore are both in the final years of their contracts, signing Jeudy now grants Cleveland some leverage in future negotiations. Additionally, it ensures the retention of at least one of their top three receivers beyond 2024. Ultimately, this extension demonstrates the Browns’ confidence in Jeudy’s abilities, while also setting high expectations for him in this offense.

Including the fifth-year option, this four-year contract carries a maximum value of approximately $71 million, with $53 million guaranteed. The annual average of $17.75 million stacks right up with the deals of many of the elite number two (borderline number one) receivers in the NFL. Notable names on this list include Christian Kirk ($18 million average), Diontae Johnson ($18.355 million average) and Brandin Cooks ($19.882 million average). Although this deal might appear expensive, it could be much better value down the line, especially given the recent salary cap expansion. Nevertheless, it’s now on Jeudy to prove himself on a team that is poised to make a deep playoff run.

Grade: B-/C+ (for now)

WR/RET James Proche

Details: 1 year, $1,125,000 (no guarantees)

Following the trade of DPJ at the deadline in 2023, James Proche quickly became Cleveland’s primary punt returner. Averaging 9 yards per return, Proche ranked 15th out of 23 punt returners who logged more than one return per game. Offensively, Proche was targeted five times last season without recording a reception. With Nyheim Hines now taking over return duties, I believe it will be tough for Proche to secure a spot on the 53-man roster. However, there’s a possibility he could find a place on the practice squad as a backup return specialist.

Grade: B

RB D’Onta Foreman

Details: 1 year, $1,292,500 ($335,000 guaranteed)

With uncertainty surrounding Nick Chubb’s return timeline, Cleveland brought in Foreman to be their bell cow back in Chubb’s absence. Following the trade of Christian McCaffrey, Foreman was the Panthers’ leading rusher in 2022. In that season, he ran for 914 yards (at an average of 4.5 yards per attempt) and 5 touchdowns. Foreman proved his ability to carry a heavy workload, averaging slightly over 17 carries per game post-McCaffrey trade. While Foreman doesn’t possess the top-end speed of players like Nick Chubb or Jerome Ford, he is surprisingly fast for a 235-pound running back. Even upon Chubb’s return from injury, I still expect Foreman to see carries, particularly in short-yardage situations. After missing out on Zack Moss, this move was the most logical option for the Browns in free agency.

Grade: A-

RB/RET Nyheim Hines

Details: 1 year, $1,995,000 ($1,350,000 guaranteed)

Nyheim Hines shares a lot of similarities with the already existing running back depth in Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong. All three excel in wide zone runs, leveraging their speed and agility to navigate the field. However, Hines stands out for his exceptional shiftiness in space and his receiving ability out of the backfield. Throughout his career, Hines accumulated more receiving yards (1,778) than rushing yards (1,202), with a comparable number of targets to hand-offs. Moreover, Hines won’t only contribute as running back depth, but also be the team’s primary punt and kickoff returner. Before a knee injury sidelined him for the entire 2023 season, Hines demonstrated his electrifying return ability by scoring two kickoff return touchdowns for the Bills in only nine games in 2022. Given his versatility, this could prove to be a tremendous signing, if the injury didn’t take away from his athleticism.

Grade: B+

TE/FB/ST Giovanni Ricci

Details: 1 year, $1,105,000 ($50,000 guaranteed)

Throughout his three-year career in Carolina, Ricci has primarily made his mark on special teams. Many of the Browns’ key special teams contributors are currently signed by other teams or remain available in free agency. Additionally, with Nick Harris and Harrison Bryant no longer on the roster, there’s an opportunity for a fullback/h-back type player, though it may be ambitious to expect Ricci to fill that role. Depending on how Cleveland addresses it’s special teams unit and the tight end position in the remainder of free agency and the draft, Ricci might have to fight for his roster spot. The Browns emphasized the importance of having special teams aces on the roster last season, which could potentially benefit Ricci.

Grade: B-

OL Michael Dunn

Details: 1 year, $1,377,500 ($1,152,500 guaranteed)

For the past three seasons, Mike Dunn has been providing depth on the offensive line, primarily stepping in at left guard in case of injury. Additionally, he has often been the sixth offensive linemen in Kevin Stefanski’s heavy personnel groups. Fortunately, the Browns’ interior offensive line remained relatively healthy recently, minimizing the need to rely on depth for extended periods. While Dunn has performed adequately in his limited playing time, his presence alone shouldn’t keep Cleveland from adding more depth. However, his familiarity with the system and chemistry with his fellow linemen should undoubtedly work in his favor once roster cuts approach

Grade: B+

OL Hakeem Adeniji

Details: 1 year, $1,125,000 million (no guarantees)

Adeniji, a 6th-round pick in 2020 for the Bengals, spent the first three years of his career in Cincinnati. Adeniji was thrust into various roles due to injuries, making starts at both tackle positions and right guard. However, he has yet to establish a permanent role and was ultimately released in 2023 before joining the Vikings. While possessing the athletic profile of an offensive tackle, Adeniji lacks the size and length to hold up against NFL edge rushers consistently. With no guarantees in his contract, this feels like a training camp signing where he’ll compete for a roster spot. At just 26 years old, there’s still potential for him to rejuvenate his career and solidify himself as a dependable backup with positional versatility for the Browns.

Grade: B

OL Germain Ifedi

Details: unknown, likely a 1-year deal at the veteran minimum

After signing Michael Dunn and Hakeem Adeniji, the Browns have added another versatile offensive linemen to bolster the depth at a previously injury-riddled position. Ifedi, a first round pick from 2016, spent the first six years of his career with the Seahawks and Bears, where he started at both right guard and right tackle. Since the 2022 season Ifedi bounced around teams as a depth piece and practice squad member, including stints with the Falcons, Lions and most recently, the Bills. At 6’5″ and 325 pounds, Ifedi possesses explosive athleticism, which paired with his 36″ arms, equips him with excellent physical tools for an offensive linemen. However, he has yet to realize his full potential in the NFL and may, at this point, be more of a training camp and practice squad signing than anything else.

Grade: B

DE Za’Darius Smith

Details: 2 years, $23,000,000 ($12,000,000 guaranteed)

Smith was undoubtedly the most prominent name poised to leave the Browns in free agency. However, both parties reached an agreement to keep him in Cleveland. While Smith may not have been as statistically productive as he envisioned in 2023, he still managed to apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks and make his presence felt. Considering the frequent rotation on the defensive line, I believe Smith will maintain his effectiveness, despite turning 32 years old. Alongside Myles Garrett, he will continue to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks for the next two seasons, which should spark excitement among Browns fans.

Although the Browns could potentially have coped with the loss of Smith, this move keeps the entire edge group of last year’s historic defense intact for another two seasons. By retaining Smith on a relatively affordable contract, the Browns maintained the flexibility to sign impactful players at other positions in free agency. Beyond his on-field contributions, Smith will also be a valuable resource for younger players like Alex Wright and Isaiah McGuire. It’s reassuring to witness a degree of consistency in the defensive personnel, especially after years of trying to find a Robin to Myles Garrett’s Batman.

Grade: A-

DT Shelby Harris

Details: 2 years, $9,000,000 (3,990,000 guaranteed)

Shelby Harris, another familiar face on the defensive line from last season, brings invaluable veteran leadership to the locker room. Despite turning 33 years old this season, Harris showed no significant signs of regression in the previous season and will continue to benefit from the team’s heavy rotation on the defensive line. Possessing a well-rounded skill set, Harris may not necessarily impress with his statistical production, but he remains a steady contributor. While he hasn’t exhibited notable signs of regression thus far, it’s inevitable that his age will eventually catch up with him, making this two-year contract a tiny bit riskier than Smith’s. Nevertheless, I once again appreciate the team’s commitment to maintaining consistency in defensive personnel and the value of this contract.

Grade: B+

DT Quinton Jefferson

Details: 1 year, $4,000,000 ($3,660,000 guaranteed)

Quinton Jefferson resembles the most notable change on the defensive line, stepping into Jordan Elliot’s place in the rotation. While Elliott may have a slight edge in run defense, Jefferson is a much better pass rusher, making him an ideal complement to Dalvin Tomlinson. Jefferson recorded a career-high in sacks (6) with the Jets last year and is poised to benefit from the attention garnered by his new edge-rushing counterparts. With Jefferson being another aging veteran on a short-term deal, I still believe Cleveland could draft another defensive tackle. Nonetheless, this group, including the next player on this list, could already be in regular season shape.

Grade: B

DT Maurice Hurst

Details: 1 year, $1,800,000 (1,000,000 guaranteed)

Hurst showcased some of the finest performances of his career in Jim Schwartz’s defense last season. Much like Jefferson, Hurst specializes in pass rushing but also possesses the explosiveness to occasionally disrupt run plays in the backfield. When he’s on the field, he could arguably be the second-best defensive tackle on the roster, yet Hurst has struggled with injuries throughout his career. During his six years in the NFL, he has only managed to play more than 10 games in four seasons, while appearing in a mere two games in the remaining two. However, these injury concerns are factored into his contract, making this re-signing a low-risk move. Should the Browns get another season of 10 or more games from Hurst, this deal will undoubtedly prove to be a significant bargain once again.

Grade: A

LB Jordan Hicks

Details: 2 years, $8,000,000 ($4,500,000 guaranteed)

With Anthony Walker and Sione Takitaki leaving Cleveland in free agency, the Browns had to address the linebacker position. In Jordan Hicks, they signed one of the top available middle linebackers. Hicks brings veteran savvy and leadership to the team, having worn the green dot for Minnesota and likely to do the same in Cleveland. At almost 32 years old, Hicks may not be the most impressive athlete, but he compensates with his football IQ. You will rarely find Hicks out of position or taking bad pursue angles, as every move he makes is calculated. While he is a good coverage linebacker, he seems a lot more comfortable in zone assignments than in man coverage.

There’s already a well-established chemistry between Jim Schwartz and Jordan Hicks, having spent three years together in Philadelphia, including their Super Bowl victory in 2017. Given the youthful composition of the Browns’ linebacker room, the addition of a seasoned veteran in free agency was a wise move. He will play a significant role in both on-field leadership and development of the younger players. While the annual average of $4,000,000 may not suggest a significant steal, it certainly represents good value for Hicks.

Grade: A-

LB Devin Bush

Details: 1 year, $1,500,000 ($500,000 guaranteed)

As a former top 10 selection by the Steelers in 2019, Devin Bush has yet to fully realize his potential. Despite being a four year starter in Pittsburgh, Bush has not shown the progress that the Steelers were hoping for. He is an incredibly gifted athlete (9.33 RAS), but lacks some size for his position. While he may not be the quickest processor and occasionally finds himself in unfavorable positions, Bush is an extremely reliable tackler. We’ve witnessed the impact of Jim Schwartz’s scheme on undersized yet athletically gifted linebackers in JOK’s breakout last season. While I’m not suggesting that Bush will experience a similar breakout, I believe there’s still a lot of potential in him at just 26 years old. Additionally, Bush will make significant contributions on special teams, in addition to his role as a linebacker.

Grade: B+

CB/ST Tony Brown

Details: 1 year, $1,125,000 (no guarantees)

Tony Brown is an outstanding athlete and special teams ace. He spent his career bouncing around teams, including stints on the Packers, Bengals and most recently the Colts. Despite him being a cornerback, Brown has seen limited action on defense throughout his NFL career, primarily being used on special teams. However, he also hasn’t shown enough to suggest he would be a good NFL-caliber cornerback in his sporadic playing time. While the current Browns’ regime has a great track record of developing cornerbacks, Brown may need to earn himself a roster spot through his contributions on special teams.

Grade: B-

CB/ST Justin Hardee

Details: 1 year, $1,377,500 ($800,000 guaranteed)

Staying in the NFL for over 7 years is a remarkable achievement for any player, let alone for an undrafted free agent who almost exclusively contributes on special teams. Much like Tony Brown, this signing aims to bolster Bubba Ventrone’s unit rather than adding depth to the cornerback room. In 2022, Hardee’s exceptional special teams contributions on the Jets were even honored with a Pro Bowl selection. With the recent implementation of a new kickoff rule by the NFL, there will be an increase in returns, emphasizing the significance of a strong coverage unit. Additionally, it’s worth noting that Hardee was born in Cleveland and finally gets the chance to represent his hometown Browns. I have a feeling he will be a fan favorite sooner rather than later.

Grade: B

S Rodney McLeod

Details: 1 year, $1,377,500 ($767,500 guaranteed)

Returning from a bicep injury that cut his season short in 2023, McLeod is back with the Browns for “one last lap”. While the soon-to-be-34-year-old may not have the most significant impact on the field, his veteran leadership and experience are invaluable for this team. Last season, he served as the third safety in sub-packages and as the backup free safety behind Juan Thornhill. Cleveland brought in free safety Ronnie Hickman as an undrafted free agent last year, and he has already shown promising flashes. McLeod will act as an excellent mentor for Hickman again, who is likely to step into McLeod’s role next season. Retaining their veteran leaders has been a key focus of the Browns’ approach in free agency, and by bringing back McLeod, they have kept all safeties from last season’s roster together.

Grade: B

P Corey Bojorquez

Details: 2 years, $4,000,000 ($2,750,000 guaranteed)

I understand, punter isn’t exactly the most exciting position to discuss, but anyone who watched the Browns last season understands the significance of Bojorquez to this team. With the offense facing consistency issues, he often bailed the team out by flipping the field and establishing excellent field position for the Browns’ defense. Although his re-signing was anticipated, I certainly was relieved when the news broke.

Grade: A

Conclusion

Given the Browns’ cap restraints, I don’t think anyone was expecting a lot of flashy moves from Cleveland. However, by re-signing Za’Darius Smith and acquiring and extending Jerry Jeudy, they managed to make the most of their situation. While you can never have enough quality players, Andrew Berry has done an excellent job of addressing the team’s biggest needs. Despite having the least draft capital of any team, the Browns can now maximize the value of their picks without feeling pressured to draft solely based on needs. Overall, I believe this team is already well-equipped to make a deep playoff run and isn’t done adding to the roster.

Overall grade: B+


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