Now that the NFL trade deadline has passed the Cleveland Browns can turn their attention to the players they still have on their roster. As of now, there's one less since they sent Donovan Peoples-Jones to the Detroit Lions.
The move made sense given DPJ's lack of involvement in the offense as well as the fact that he was in the final year of his rookie deal. He clearly wasn't in the plans long-term but it was still tough to see a fan-favorite say goodbye.
With this move taking place, it shows general manager Andrew Berry is already looking ahead and should now turn his focus to these three players who are set for free agency in 2024. However, these players don't need to leave Berea and should instead be locked up before they ever hit the open market.
3. Sione Takitaki, LB
Not too long ago, Sione Takitaki felt like an afterthought. A third-round pick out of BYU in 2019, he wound up working his way into the starting lineup by his second campaign but didn't truly break out until 2022.
Normally an outside linebacker, Takitaki moved to the middle out of necessity when Anthony Walker, Jr. and Jacob Phillips were both injured. Not only did he replace them but he thrived in the new role. Unfortunately, he then suffered a torn ACL in Week 13.
Somehow, he was ready to go by training camp and was on the field in Week 1. He's now appeared in six games this season and has 12 tackles and a personal-best two sacks. He's proven to be a versatile weapon and while he's still not always a starter, he's a vital cog that should be extended.
2. Maurice Hurst, DT
Andrew Berry has never been shy about taking risks. The Cleveland general manager has signed players coming off of injuries such as Takk McKinley as well as players who were simply gone from the league such as Malik McDowell. The moves haven't always worked out but he's had his share of success. There's no greater example of this than Maurice Hurst.
A former top prospect, Hurst started his career with the Oakland Raiders after falling to the fifth round due to a heart condition. He got off to a hot start but was released in 2021. From there, he joined the San Francisco 49ers but battled injuries throughout that tenure. His final one came in August of 2022 when he tore his bicep, ending his season before it began.
Fully healthy again in 2023, Hurst signed with the Browns on a one-year deal and has had a major impact on their defense. He's appeared in all seven games with 15 tackles and a half-sack — but it's been his run defense that's really been surprising. Known as a three-technique who can rush the passer, he's been able to clog running lanes with ease under Jim Schwartz.
As if that wasn't enough of a reason to keep him around, he also turned in what might wind up being the play of the year against Seattle. Hurst batted a Geno Smith pass into the air and was able to track the ball down for an impressive interception.
Hurst has proven to be an asset and should be locked up as soon as possible.
1. Grant Delpit, S
No Cleveland player has done more to raise their own stock this year than Grant Delpit has. The LSU product was selected in 2020 but then missed his entire rookie campaign when he tore his Achilles in training camp.
He returned in 2021 but still didn't look like the player we saw with LSU. Last year, he started to show those flashes once again and finished with 105 tackles and four interceptions. While the numbers were excellent, he was still being forced to play out of position often since there was no one else who could handle the deep safety role.
In 2023, he's been freed up thanks to the addition of Juan Thornhill and Rodney McLeod. Having two other safeties who are good in pass coverage allows Delpit to move around and Jim Schwartz uses him like a chess piece.
In the first seven games, Delpit has 43 tackles, two pass defenses, and an interception. He's also added two tackles for a loss and generally looks like a heat-seeking missile during plays.
Delpit has done a lot to raise his own value and the Browns can't afford to let him walk. They also shouldn't let him test the open market but need to find an extension that will make both parties happy.