Cleveland Browns moneyball strategy taking form
Browns offense offers high value
Overall, the Browns are spending about 17 percent more on offense than on defense: $104,052,945 versus $88,946,592. This is a necessity if you want to develop a franchise quarterback. If they were to evaluate a quarterback who has to run for his life because of a shoddy offensive line, and if he has to work with sub-par receivers, it’s not possible to get an accurate evaluation. Ask Kurt Warner whether the supporting cast matters (three-time Super Bowl quarterback, cut twice by bad teams).
The Browns pay less than the average NFL team at the quarterback position, not because they devalue the position, but because Baker Mayfield is still on his rookie contract. That savings more than offsets the relatively high backup contract given to Case Keenum, at $6 million dollars a year average.
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Cleveland is obviously seeking the best possible players at both first and second string. It wouldn’t be a shock if the Browns pick up a third quarterback if they think there is a chance that a candidate could be developed into a franchise. Maybe they even already have a longshot candidate in Garrett Gilbert.
Wide receivers Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham, Jr. are both paid over $14 million per year. Of course, both were acquired and signed by John Dorsey rather than Berry. However, what Berry didn’t do was to stockpile additional third, fourth and fifth receivers. The signed no major free agents and drafted only Donovan Peoples-Jones, who will probably make his initial contribution on special teams. Clearly, the Browns are not planning on running the Mike Martz run ‘n shoot offense with four wide receivers.
However, the Browns are investing in tight ends, signing Austin Cooper, and also committing to sign David Njoku to a fifth year. They also drafted Harrison Bryant out of Florida Atlantic. There’s very little doubt that the Browns intent to make substantial use of the two-tight end formation, or 12 personnel if you prefer.
The Browns are also well situated to run a West Coast or 21 personnel group. Cleveland definitely has the best pair of running backs in the NFL in Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, but the team is not spending much for them. They placed a modest additional bet on fullback Andy Janovich. When the Browns do go to three wide receivers, it might well be Hunt who sets up in the slot or even splits wide. No doubt offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt is studying film of how the Steelers used Le’Veon Bell in his prime.
The Browns invested in a major free-agent acquisition of tackle Jack Conklin and also added10th overall pick Jedrick Wills. This is the group that Andrew Berry has tried his hardest to fix, and is the most important factor in the development of a young quarterback. You could say that right guard is not a star player, but Wyatt Teller did a decent job there last year, and he will be challenged by the likes of Drew Forbes and Chris Hubbard. The right guard is the only position on OL that is paid less than average.
The Browns spending trends show that they are preparing for a two wide receiver set in most cases. They have spent the money to upgrade the offensive line. They have also acquired personnel to use an extra tight end or running back on most plays, rather than high-priced wide receivers. It should not be a surprise to see running backs and tight ends movie into the slot sometimes or even split wide.