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5 players Cleveland Browns need to re-sign in 2022

By Eddie McDonald

Sep 19, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns kicker Chase McLaughlin (3) kicks a field goal from the hold of punter Jamie Gillan (7) during the second half against the Houston Texans at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns kicker Chase McLaughlin (3) kicks a field goal from the hold of punter Jamie Gillan (7) during the second half against the Houston Texans at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Browns
CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 31: Running back D’Ernest Johnson #30 of the Cleveland Browns runs for a gain during the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 31, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Steelers defeated the Browns 15-10. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Several Cleveland Browns players could prove down the stretch they should be re-signed in 2022, including these five

The Cleveland Browns season is not one that’s over quite yet, but that doesn’t mean we can’t look ahead to free agency in 2022.

Regardless of how this season does end, even if it results in a Super Bowl (highly unlikely as of this moment in time), this roster will not and shouldn’t look the same next season. The bye week is the perfect time to explore things of this nature.

There are a ton of areas for the Browns to target in free agency, but there are also players in house they need to keep in house. There are going to be players on this list that won’t be back and there will be players left off this list that might be back. These are just the five guys who I feel are most important to get signed to new deals at the end of the season.

Just missing the cut is kicker Chase McLaughlin, who is having himself such a good season based on the standards of kickers that have played for Cleveland post-Phil Dawson. On the season, McMoney, err, I mean McLaughlin is 14-of-18 on field-goal tries and 26-of-27 on extra-point attempts. He is a perfect four-for-four from field goals over 50 yards.

So, consider McLaughlin a bonus to this list.

Now, let’s get on to the five players the Browns need to re-sign in 2022.

*As for the financials, that’s for Andrew Berry to figure out, I’m merely trying to help steer him in the right direction.

Player No. 5 for Cleveland Browns to re-sign: D’Ernest Johnson

The depth of the running back position has proven to be a wise investment for the Browns in 2021. Both Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt have missed game time this season, but D’Ernest Johnson has filled in admirably for the dynamic duo.

In his two starts this season, Johnson has racked up 245 rushing yards and a touchdown. He is a guy who can be an RB 2 on any other team, this team just happens to have two extremely good backs already. With that said, Johnson provides depth and his work speaks for itself.

Playing in the AFC North, injuries are bound to happen to those who tote the rock, so having someone like Johnson in the wings waiting for another opportunity will be key for the Browns moving forward.

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