Cleveland Browns should be aggressive in free agency
By Greg Newland
Could the Cleveland Browns cut some big checks in 2021?
Although the Cleveland Browns won their first playoff game in 25 years and appear to have finally turned the corner as an organization, there is no doubt that they are still behind the curve from the top 4-5 teams in the NFL. For 2020, it was great to just make the playoffs and even better to win a postseason game. But 2021 is likely the last year for them to capitalize on a Super Bowl opportunity before paying a quarterback.
Don’t get me wrong, you can certainly win a Super Bowl with a $25 million quarterback on your roster. The game in Tampa on February 14th is a prime example as Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady are both heavily compensated.
One thing is for certain, general manager Andrew Berry fully understands the situation and will do everything possible to assemble a championship-caliber roster. The biggest trick will be managing the salary cap as it looks to be lower in 2021 because of lost revenue from COVID-19 in 2020. Here are four splashy names the Browns could sign to try and win it all in 2021.
Man to man beater
With yet another injury to Odell Beckham Jr. and the cost on Jarvis Landry’s contract, that is likely one of the biggest unknowns now. I wouldn’t be shocked to see both on the opening day roster, but I would also not be one bit surprised if they were both gone.
The most logical move at this time would be moving on from Beckham only because of the injuries. In all honesty, the guy gets a bad rap in the media. I have loved seeing him compete in brown and orange, but the injuries have just been too much. Look for the Browns to find a trade partner and get out of the contract with no dead money if cut before June 1st.
That cut would lead to a gaping hole for a man beater at wide receiver, and Allen Robinson could be the perfect fit. At 28 years old, Robinson is coming off his best season even with all the question marks at quarterback for the Chicago Bears. Robinson could be interested in a short-term two-year deal at a reasonable number knowing he could still get one more major deal with a couple of big seasons for the Browns. This one could be a stretch but wouldn’t be a complete shocker given the team’s needs.