What the future may hold for every Cleveland Browns free agent
By Dan Justik
Restricted Free Agents
Restricted free agents are players who have accrued three seasons in the NFL. The player can negotiate a contract with other teams, but the player’s original team can tender the player with draft pick compensation (first-round tender, second-round tender, original-round tender), meaning another team would give up a draft pick in that round to the player’s original team if the player decides to sign an offer sheet elsewhere and the original team does not match the offer.
The original team can also tender the player with a right-of-first-refusal tender, meaning the original team can match an offer sheet, but will not receive a draft pick if they do not match an offer sheet.
Ricky Seals-Jones, Tight End
The Browns claimed Ricky Seals-Jones off waivers at the beginning of the season. He started the season as the team’s third and fourth tight end, but saw an increase in snap counts after David Njoku suffered a wrist injury during Week 2.
The Browns primarily used Seals-Jones as a receiving tight end, and he made some big plays throughout the season. In 14 games, Seals-Jones caught 14 receptions 229 yards and four touchdowns.
Kevin Stefanski likes to operate his offense out of 12 personnel, so he will find use out of the tight end group. However, the tight ends will need to be effective blockers, which Seals-Jones is not. Seals-Jones will likely not be a highly sought after free agent, so it would make sense if the Browns do not tender the tight end. They could still re-sign him if Stefanski feels he can fit in the offense, but if not, they will likely just let him walk in free agency or sign him to a one-year deal to battle for a job in camp.
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Bryan Cox Jr., Defensive End
The Browns signed Bryan Cox Jr. in November and he instantly played a small role as a defensive end for the Browns. In seven games with the Browns, including two starts, Cox made 12 total tackles, two tackles for loss, and 0.5 sacks.
The defensive line will likely be an area of focus for the Browns this offseason. With the Browns building more depth on the line with the new front office’s own players, Cox may not have much of a future in Cleveland. He made some plays, but there will likely be better depth pieces available this offseason.
Justin McCray, Offensive Lineman
Justin McCray was traded to the Browns before the regular season as the team looked to build more depth on the offensive line. McCray was utilized as both a guard and tackle during the 2019 season, but struggled when on the field. McCray played 318 offensive snaps and allowed three sacks and was called for four penalties, according to Pro Football Focus.
The offensive line will also be a priority this offseason and finding solid depth will be a necessity. Although McCray can play both guard and tackle, there will be several better options available, whether in the draft or free agency. It would not be a surprise if McCray is not tendered before free agency.