3 free agents the Cleveland Browns should avoid this offseason
By Greg Newland
Many Cleveland Browns fans want Andrew Berry to sign all the free agents, but here are three they should avoid.
After three offseasons in a row where we have seen the Cleveland Browns be aggressive in free agency, 2023 will be slightly different. At a quick glance, the team isn't in great shape with the cap as they are in the red currently. I will say, a couple of restructures and cuts that are expected will put the Browns in pretty good shape to make a few moves.
However, I’m not sure how aggressive you will see Andrew Berry be this offseason. On one hand, he will be desperate for a strong 2023 after trading a ton of assets for Deshaun Watson, but he also must be cautious not to overspend on veterans who are past their prime.
Browns fans are constantly screaming to sign the top three free agents every offseason, but unfortunately, money doesn’t grow on trees. Not only that, sometimes the biggest name doesn’t bring the biggest production. Here are three players the Browns should avoid signing that some fans want.
Player No. 3 - Marcus Davenport, DE
Don’t get me wrong, the Browns need help at defensive end with Jadeveon Clowney likely gone, but let’s pump the breaks on Marcus Davenport for a minute. I’ll admit, I thought it felt like a good fit, but the more I dig, the less I love this.
First, the injuries have been brutal for Davenport. In five seasons he has yet to play in every single game, missing a total of 19 games. One of the biggest assets you can have as a free agent is being available. Production is great, but when you can’t stay on the field, it’s hard to justify a contract.
My biggest reason for not loving Davenport, the production hasn’t been there consistently either. Yes, he had nine sacks in 2021, but he has a total of 8 sacks in 2019, 2020, and 2022.
The free agency class for pass-rushers is weak this offseason which is alarming. There's no doubt the Browns need help, but Davenport who is a former first-round pick will likely get overpaid and have minimal production on his new team.