Cleveland Browns free agents stay or go: Rashard Higgins, Olivier Vernon, more

Expect turnover in the secondary

Outside of Denzel Ward, Ronnie Harrison, and hopefully Greedy Williams and Grant Delpit returning from injury, the rest of the secondary remains fluid for the Browns. With four big names to keep in mind, the Browns will likely face a great deal of turnover.

Terrance Mitchell

This one will be hard to hear, but Mitchell is more than likely not returning to Cleveland next season. After facing off with the Chiefs, it is clearly evident the Browns need to get faster, and that is just not a skillset Mitchell possesses. In an ideal world, the speedy Williams returns to form next season, or the Browns draft a talented cornerback in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Regardless, Mitchell may no longer fit the identity of this defense.

Go

Karl Joseph

Joseph is another toss-up who could return given the lack of stability the Browns faced at the safety position this season. By season’s end, the Browns were running Harrison and Joseph as their starting safeties with success. Defensive coordinator Joe Woods wants to run three safety looks, so even with the return of Delpit, there is a place for Joseph on the roster.

Stay

Kevin Johnson

Look for Johnson to be off to his next one-year deal. Johnson is a serviceable nickel, and did so for the Browns, but he is not going to get big money from this front office, and could likely get a multi-year deal elsewhere. Look for Johnson to look at all of his options this offseason when he hits the open market.

Go

Andrew Sendejo

Sendejo definitely got better down the stretch and became a decent contributor for the Browns. However, he was signed as a veteran who could bring younger players along quicker in learning the scheme. His job has been finished, and the Browns will not be bringing him back in 2021.

Go