Cleveland Browns offseason blueprint: How many roster spots are up for grabs?

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Greedy Williams

Thought to be a second-round steal in 2019, Williams had a rough rookie year and then missed all of 2020 due to a nerve issue in his shoulder. There is no current status update on him, and without knowing the specifics of his condition, the team cannot afford to count on him for 2021. Even if he were back to full strength, he’s yet to prove himself as starting-caliber. He’s in no danger of being cut, but

Mack Wilson

Wilson was bad as a rookie in 2019, and he was even worse in 2020. He’s cheap, but he also isn’t a positive asset on the field. He’ll be hard-pressed to make next year’s team.

D’Ernest Johnson

Johnson had some clutch fourth-quarter runs this season, and while he may not have breakaway speed, he’s a solid player who would likely have a bigger role on most other teams.

Joe Jackson

Jackson filled the role of final EDGE on the roster, but wasn’t even active after Vernon went down. He almost certainly will not be back.

Curtis Weaver

The biggest wildcard on the defense, Weaver, was extremely productive in college and showed of elite agility at the NFL Combine. He fell to the fifth round and was waived after an injury by the Miami Dolphins. The Browns claimed him and stashed him for the whole year, and they’ll get the chance to see what they have in him this offseason. Weaver is not explosive and has a very odd frame at 6-3, 266 pounds.

However, he’s got fantastic bend and his physical profile closely resembles that of Olivier Vernon. Maybe Weaver doesn’t make the cut, but if he shows up to camp having lost some weight and improved his burst, he could be Vernon’s replacement.

KhaDarel Hodge

Hodge is a restricted free agent who is a great special teamer, and while he wasn’t targeted often, it seemed like each of his targets were meaningful. He’s got the best hands on the team and can win downfield. He shouldn’t cost too much to keep around.

Michael Dunn

Dunn will forever be Cleveland legend after his great performance in the playoffs against the Pittsburgh Steelers and his play probably placed him into contention for a roster spot in 2020.

Blake Hance

Hance introduced himself to his teammates before that Pittsburgh game after being signed that week, and played well in relief of Dunn. He then filled in at left tackle against the Kansas City Chiefs after both Wills and Lamm went down. He’ll be fighting for a roster spot in Cleveland, but if he doesn’t make it here, would probably be claimed by another team off waivers.

Stephen Carlson

Carlson is a former wide receiver who has played sparingly with the Browns. He’s an exclusive rights free agent this offseason, and could be kept around, but it would have to be cheap. The Browns will probably use fewer multi-TE sets in 2021, and that marginalizes TE4 even more.

Porter Gustin

Another ERFA, Gustin had some nice games in 2020, and will probably be fighting with Weaver for a spot on the roster.

M.J. Stewart

Stewart was thrust into action due to injuries after being claimed from Tampa Bay, and struggled. He’s set to make $1.1 million in 2021, which is probably too much for his level of play. Ideally, the Browns invest in the secondary this offseason to the point where if Stewart does make the team, he would never see the field, which then begs the question of why he’d be paid to do that.

Sheldrick Redwine

Redwine has talent, but he’s been inconsistent through two seasons. He makes too many mental mistakes that have often led to coverage busts. The Browns would save $670k by cutting him, but that would mean they added quite a few safeties, more than anticipated.

Tavierre Thomas

Thomas was picked on when he played slot corner this past season, but he’s one of the best special teamers in the NFL. He’s a restricted free agent, so it will be interesting to see how much the front office values an exclusive special teams player.