3 mid-tier free agents that make sense for the Cleveland Browns in 2023

As Andrew Berry and the Cleveland Browns head into the 2023 offseason, the salary cap will hold them back slightly. Here are 3 mid-tier guys who make sense.

The Cleveland Browns head into the 2023 offseason with question marks on both sides of the ball. Even with their star quarterback, Deshaun Watson, their offense had a lot of struggles to end the season, especially the offensive line.

Their defense was laughably bad to begin the season but did rebound to at least be a respectable unit by the end of the year. With Joe Woods officially out, the big question mark now will be if this unit is completely overhauled (besides Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward), or if they will just swap out a few pieces.

While spending has been no object the last few offseasons, Andrew Berry will finally be strapped on what he can spend because of some of the big contracts given out over the last few seasons. That coupled with limited draft picks because of the Watson trade puts a lot of pressure on Berry for the next few years.

There are a few middle-of-the-road free agents who won’t cost a fortune and would make a lot of sense for the Browns. Keep reading to see who.

Browns Free Agent Target No. 3: Allen Lazard, WR

With it looking more and more likely that Aaron Rodgers will no longer be in Green Bay or even the NFL, Allen Lazard could likely be on the look for a new home. The Cleveland Browns could be a good fit for the five-year pro from Iowa State.

Lazard just had his best season with nearly 800 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 2022, and for much of the year, he was forced to play as the No. 1 wide receiver on a limited roster. Lazard had flashes of greatness but didn’t have nearly the consistency to be a No. 1 target in the NFL.

Lazard is a perfect fit for the Browns with his 6-foot-5-inch frame. He’s a huge red zone target but also has strong route-running skills and speed to play on the inside if needed.

Lazard in Cleveland would allow Donovan Peoples-Jones to play in the slot where he could have a breakout year.

Receivers always seem to get overpaid, but Lazard will have a lot of question marks with average stats in 2022 while Rodgers was the one throwing him passes.