Grading each aspect of the Cleveland Browns offseason
By Randy Gurzi
Free Agency
The Browns made a few moves in free agency, but nothing like what they did in 2018. There wasn’t nearly as much overhaul, but they did fill their needs which set them up beautifully for the draft. Heading into this period, they really needed to add depth at defensive line and linebacker, but then opened up a whole at safety when they traded Jabrill Peppers and waived Derrick Kindred.
Their biggest move came early as they added Sheldon Richardson — formerly of the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, and New York Jets. Richardson is a big defensive tackle who brings some heat in the pass rushing department. Lining him up next to Larry Ogunjobi gives them a great starting team — especially with Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon rounding out the front four.
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Linebacker Adarius Taylor was an underrated signing as they targeted help for the linebacker corps. He was a team captain for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and is coming off his best campaign. He’s going to fight for snaps and has proven to be a savvy player in the past.
As for their safety position, Cleveland signed Morgan Burnett. A former Green Bay Packers star, Burnett signed a big contract with the Steelers last season but was released after just one year. He’s slated to be the starter but they need to hope he can return to his 2017 form.
Other signings included adding offensive line depth with players such as Eric Kush, Kendall Lamm, and Bryan Witzmann. They’ll give them plenty of depth, which was an issue as well. Kush could also protect them should Austin Corbett not be up for the job.
Of course, the free agency move that got the most attention was the signing of running back Kareem Hunt. He was released by the Chiefs for kicking a female in a Cleveland hotel and will be suspended for eight games. He joins a crowded running back room which makes it questionable as to whether or not it was worth the backlash. As far as a pure player though, this kid is good and does make the offense better.
The Browns roster was improved in free agency and they even kept Greg Robinson on a one-year prove it deal. This was a good period for them, again. One knock is they could have targeted a younger safety such as Tre Boston and it likely would have been a better fit. They also took a big hit in the P.R. department with the Hunt signing.
Grade: B+