3 free agents Browns can’t afford to lose in 2023 offseason

No. 2: A.J. Green – Cornerback

After free agency comes and goes in the NFL, the next stop is the NFL Draft, but not every player who plays was drafted. That is the case for Browns cornerback A.J. Green, who signed with Cleveland after going undrafted in 2017 out of Oklahoma State.

Green went from undrafted to contributor and is a big reason that the Browns cannot afford to lose him in the 2023 offseason. He has proven that he can handle larger roles when his number is called, or just go in on rotations and make plays.

In 17 games this season, Green made 18 tackles (14 solo), a quarterback hit, and a pass deflection, and he also picked off Joe Burrow on Halloween Night in Cleveland. He certainly played well enough this season to warrant a fourth year with the team.

Cornerback depth is crucial in the NFL, and even more so with the Browns. The secondary played well for the most part, but there were injuries sustained in the unit, which Green stepped up and did his job.

Denzel Ward, who got the massive contract extension last spring, has missed games in every year of his career, so having a guy like Green can go a long way for this defense, which will be under the guise of Jim Schwartz.

Green likely won’t command a ton of money, so this would be a wise and cheap decision for Berry to make to ensure more depth at the cornerback position.