3 free agents who instantly make the Cleveland Browns contenders
By Greg Newland
There are some who believe the Cleveland Browns will be major players in 2023 free agency. Here are 3 names that would make a splash.
After being aggressive the last few offseasons, the Cleveland Browns start the 2023 league year more than $10 million above the cap. While it’s a bit alarming, it’s not a time to panic. There are still plenty of roster moves including restructures and cuts that will give the Browns room to breathe.
However, the spendy spree that has occurred in recent years will likely be coming to an end. Massive contracts for Deshaun Watson, Myles Garrett, David Njoku, Wyatt Teller, Denzel Ward, and Nick Chubb have taken away that luxury.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Remember four years ago when the Browns had $60 million to spend, but zero talent on the roster? Now there's talent, but Andrew Berry must be strategic to keep things moving and bring in additional free agents.
It will be impossible to sign all three of these guys, but each one could drastically change the look of this team if they signed with the Browns.
3 free agents who instantly make the Cleveland Browns contenders
Free Agent No. 3 – Taylor Lewan, LT
This one is the biggest long shot. The Cleveland Browns have Jedrick Wills for at least another season and recently extended Jack Conklin. However, I don’t think anyone would argue that tackle was a huge concern last season and both Jacoby Brissett and Watson were under a ton of pressure.
Signing Taylor Lewan as a free agent would mean that the Browns need to find a suitor for Wills and that they don’t believe James Hudson is quite ready to be a starter. Both are extremely possible, but the hard part would be not overspending on the talented tackle.
So often we have seen the top players in free agency get overpaid. Truthfully, it’s amazing to me that more players don’t push signing extensions until they receive other offers, because teams will get desperate to fill positions and not think about the financial implications.
Singing Lewan would be a huge swing for Berry but having an elite pass protector on the blindside would be a huge win for this team and would instantly make a difference.