Who Browns will Pursue in Free Agency, Why Players Want to Play in Cleveland
With a great quarterback in Deshaun Watson, Kevin Stefanski at the helm and a proven coaching staff, players around the league have an interest in joining the Browns.
Stefanski's play calling is considered "elite" by many around the NFL, including Watson. Stefanski is also highly respected by players for his leadership skills, which is a draw for free agents. With the new hires of Jim Schwartz at defensive coordinator and Bubba Ventrone at special teams coordinator, Stefanski has built a strong, experienced coaching staff.
Schwartz was a big-time hire for the Browns at the defensive coordinator spot following the firing of Joe Woods. Schwartz's coaching history and experience is unmatched. He began his coaching career in 1989 when he became a graduate assistant linebackers coach at the University of Maryland.
Since 1989, Schwartz has been around the NFL with several different organization. He is a Super Bowl winning defensive coordinator with the Philadelphia Eagles, as well as an NFL head coach for the Detroit Lions from 2009-2013.
One source I talked to described Schwartz as a "great coach" and "very intelligent."
"[Schwartz] lets guys play fast and to their strengths."
Allowing defenders to play to their strengths is something players admire. Several free agent defenders around the league have interest in joining the Browns, if the opportunity arises.
Free agents Brandon Graham and Fletcher Cox, who both won a Super Bowl for the Eagles within Schwartz's scheme, are among those names who will be on the Browns radar if they hit the open market next week.
Staying on track with Eagles defenders, the Browns are also eyeing defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson just days before the NFL legal tampering period begins.
Cleveland will be among teams in the edge-rusher market this off-season as well. A player the Browns are interested in is Yannick Ngakoue, who's set to hit the open market.
Prior to being traded to the Minnesota Vikings in 2020, the Browns were close to a deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars that would've brought Ngakoue to Cleveland.
Last season with the Colts, Nagakoue recorded 9.5 sacks, which is a number the Browns would be thrilled to have across from superstar edge-rusher Myles Garrett. With Jadeveon Clowney on his way out of Cleveland after two seasons, the 27-year-old Ngakoue makes a lot of sense for the Browns.
Cleveland is also interested in and will pursue Bengals safety Jessie Bates lll. Bates will be looking for a major pay-day and the Browns will absolutely be in the mix for the defensive standout.
If the Browns are able to land Bates, not only will it dramatically increase their defense, it'll also take away a big piece from Cincinnati, their AFC North foe.
Prior to the start of free agency next week, my understanding is the Browns will restructure Watson's contract in order to create more cap room to make several signings.
The trade market is also something to keep an eye on now and through the rest of free agency.
There are several big-name wide receivers who're available for trade including DeAndre Hopkins, Brandin Cooks and Allen Robinson.
Hopkins and Cooks both have a fantastic chemistry with Watson from their time spent in Houston with the Texans. Hopkins, the five-time All-Pro wideout, will likely require a Day 2 draft selection at minimum in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals.
Hopkins has a massive cap hit for the final two seasons on his contract, however, he would be flexible on those last two years rather than shooting for a top-of-the-market deal, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
For Cooks, it would likely take significantly less draft capital from the Browns to acquire his talent. Cleveland would likely be looking at a late Day 2 or 3 draft choice. Cooks is also under contract for two more seasons, however, something would likely be worked out to reduce the cap hit if the move were to take place.
As for Rams wide receiver Allen Robinson, the Browns expressed interest in him last off-season in free agency, prior to him signing with Los Angeles. Robinson has now become available for trade as the Rams appear to be headed towards a rebuild.
None of the three wide receivers feel likely moves for the Browns at this point in time.
Another name who could be available on the trade market is Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. Buckner is on a large contract and could be shopped by the Colts to create additional cap space and get younger. Buckner, a two-time All Pro, is currently 28-years-old and would make an immediate impact on the Browns defensive line.
Browns linebacker Anthony Walker is a player who's set to hit the open market next week after his 2022 season was cut short due to a torn quadriceps tendon.
My understanding is Walker has a level of interest in returning to the Browns if it's possible. Walker was a leader in the locker room and was highly respected by his teammates.
If the Browns are able to bring Walker back on a cheap one-year deal, I don't see a scenario where Walker leaves Cleveland, barring an unexpected contract offer from another team.
The Browns will explore many different options this off-season. Whether that's through free agency or the trade market, the organization will be aggressive in improving their roster.
