The Cleveland Browns were never expected to be big players at the trade deadline, though watching them remain idle was somewhat disappointing. Even if they were happy with their current core, an addition here and there wouldn't have hurt.
This only confirms what Andrew Berry said before the start of the season: the focus is on 2027. The Browns will have financial flexibility, a surplus of valuable draft capital, and multiple options to round out this promising roster.
However, that also means deciding who to retain and who to let go among the players entering the final year of their contracts. Considering that, let's take a look at where some of the team's key free agents stand after the trade deadline.
Checking in on some key Cleveland Browns free agents after the trade deadline
The specialists aren't going anywhere
Andre Szmyt and Corey Bojorquez are two of the team's MVPs, which is obviously an indictment of the offense. That said, it's also a testament to their outstanding work at their respective crafts, and the team can't afford to let either of them walk away.
Bojorquez is the best punter in the league, though the Browns will definitely hope they won't have to turn to him as often in the future. As for Szmyt, reliable kickers are an endangered species nowadays, so they may have to go through a bit of a bidding war to keep him.
A rookie might push Ronnie Hickman out the door
The Browns clearly value Ronnie Hickman, and he's one of the most underrated safeties in the game. That said, safety isn't considered a premium position in the NFL, so they likely won't go the extra mile to try to keep him in town if someone else wants to pay him.
Moreover, rookie Emmanuel McNeil-Warren's role is growing by the week, and the Browns love — and recently extended — Grant Delpit. After signing a restricted free agent tender this offseason, Hickman is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent in 2027.
Teven Jenkins is worth keeping (at the right price)
An early-season injury cost Teven Jenkins the starting right guard spot, but he can still be a valuable backup and insurance option for the Browns. Rookie Austin Barber has also regressed in recent weeks, so Jenkins might get another shot at the gig at some point.
The Browns spent big on Zion Johnson and have plans for Barber's future, so they will only keep Jenkins if there's not much of a market for his services. That's probably the right approach with the 28-year-old interior lineman, though.
Deshaun Watson might get paid, just not in Cleveland
The Browns just got a glimpse of their offense with Shedeur Sanders, and while they're returning to Deshaun Watson anyway, it's hard to believe they'll want to extend this partnership any further. They finally get an out in 2027, and they'll take it.
There are always quarterback-needy teams, and someone will be desperate enough to give Watson an opportunity. He's obviously not going to make nearly $50 million a year — but he's done just enough to convince another team to roll the dice on him.
Every Cleveland Browns 2027 pending free agent
Unrestricted free agents (UFA)
Deshaun Watson, QB
Teven Jenkins, G
Ronnie Hickman, S
Derek Barnett, EDGE
Kalia Davis, DL
Corey Bojorquez, P
Dawand Jones, LT
Tylan Wallace, WR
Michael Burton, FB
Noah Igbinoghene, CB
Sam Kamara, DL
Blake Whiteheart, TE
Damarri Mathis, CB
Sam Williams, EDGE
Jaleel McLaughlin, RB
Isaiah McGuire, EDGE
Mekhi Blackmon, CB
Luke Wypler, OL
Restricted free agents (RFA)
Malachi Corley, WR
Rex Sunahara, LS
Exclusive-rights free agents (ERFA)
Winston Reid, LB
Andre Szmyt, K
All free agent information via Spotrac.
Add us as a preferred source on Google