4 free agents in Browns range after cap surge

Recently, the NFL gave out some good news for every franchise when they announced the 2024 salary cap. There were expectations the cap would increase but the number wound up being roughly $13 million more than predicted, coming in at $255.4 million. For the Cleveland Browns, this will be a huge help for them as they're now going to have more wiggle room this offseason.

Of course, they first have to make a few moves since they're still around $6 million over the cap. A couple of restructures, and even an extension or two, should be enough to not only get them under the cap for 2024 but to also give them enough cap space to make a few additions. With that being said, here are four players who are now realistic targets thanks to the salary cap hike.

4. Calvin Ridley, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

A former first-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons, Calvin Ridley missed a lot of time before taking the field for the Jaguars this year. Ridley stepped away from the game due to mental health concerns in 2021 after just five games. The Falcons traded him to Jacksonville, who was willing to wait on him as he was suspended for the entire 2022 campaign due to violating the league's gambling rules.

He came back in 2023 and recorded 76 receptions for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns. It was a strong campaign for him but Ridley likely expected more considering he was joining forces with Trevor Lawrence. The Jaguars were a disappointment overall and that could lead to Ridley looking elsewhere.

Cleveland should kick the tires on Ridley, whose addition would give them a scary duo when paired with Amari Cooper.

3. Tyron Smith, LT, Dallas Cowboys

Considering all of the injuries the Browns had on their offensive line throughout the 2023 campaign, this one might feel like too much of a gamble. But if they were willing to roll the dice on Tyron Smith, they would be bringing in an elite left tackle who might not command elite money.

Smith, the No. 9 overall pick in 2011 out of USC, has only ever played for the Dallas Cowboys — and has said he would like to return to the team for another season. Dallas, however, might be ready to move on. Smith, who turns 34 later this year, has missed a total of 37 games since 2020 and hasn't played a full campaign since 2015.

After playing just four games in 2022, Smith was out there for 13 games this past season and then played in the Cowboys Wild Card loss to Green Bay. According to PFF, he was the fourth-best tackle in the game, which would normally mean he could command $20 million or more.

The aforementioned durability concerns will lower that number drastically for Smith. So if the Cowboys did move on (they could move Tyler Smith to his natural position which is left tackle), Cleveland would be wise to see what it would take to bring him in. Again, there will be concerns due to the injuries but if they're serious about making Deshaun Watson comfortable, adding an elite blindside protector would be the way to go.

2. Jordyn Brooks, LB, Seattle Seahawks

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was good during his first two seasons with the Browns but those campaigns were overshadowed by what he did in 2023. JOK turned into an absolute star for Cleveland, finishing with a team-high 101 tackles with 20 of those going for a loss. He added 3.5 sacks, six pass defenses, and two interceptions.

The additions on the defensive line helped free JOK up to use his instincts and athletic ability to attack the ball carrier. The results spoke for themselves as he's now one of the top players in need of an extension heading into the 2024 season. He could also be getting acquainted with some new faces in the linebacker room.

Anthony Walker, Jr., Sione Takitaki, and Jacob Phillips are all set for free agency. It's likely they only bring one back — with Takitaki the top candidate — meaning they need at least one more starting-caliber player. Instead of looking for someone who can simply start, the Browns could swing for the fences and target Jordyn Brooks.

A former first-round pick, Brooks spent the past four seasons in Seattle — and the Seahawks declined the fifth-year option in his rookie deal. That means he will hit free agency after racking up 513 tackles in four years. Brooks has topped 100 tackles in each of the past three seasons, even going as high as 184 in 2021.

Brooks finished this last campaign with 111 tackles, 4.5 sacks, one forcced fumble, and one pick-six. He would cost quite a bit to land but Brooks could be a dynamic piece of the puzzle for Jim Schwartz if he joined.

1. Austin Ekeler, RB, Los Angeles Chargers

Nick Chubb has been an absolute wrecking ball for the Browns when he's healthy. He has 6,511 yards rushing with 48 touchdowns while averaging 5.3 yards per attempt. We all knew how much he meant to this offense even before he suffered a knee injury in 2023 but seeing how much the running game struggled without him was a reminder of his greatness.

Heading into 2024, there have been a lot of rumors that Cleveland could elect to move on from No. 24. Doing so would save the Browns roughly $12 million but they would then have a massive hole on the depth chart. Instead, it seems more likely they give Chubb a new deal that has similar guarantees spread out over the next three years with a lot of incentives added.

Doing this would keep Chubb in town but the Browns need someone who can fill in just in case his knee becomes a problem in the future. There's also a chance he's not ready by Week 1 — and when he does return, it would be wise to ease him in rather than start handing him the ball 20 times per game right away.

To accomplish this, Cleveland could look to the draft or maybe a mid-level back in free agency such as Zack Moss or Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Or they could use the extra cap space to make a huge splash with Austin Ekeler.

A seven-year pro, Ekeler has never topped 1,000 yards as a runner but he has 4,355 yards and 39 touchdowns while averaging 4.4 yards per attempt. He did see his numbers drop some in 2023 with just 3.5 yards per rush but he still proved he can be dangerous in open space.

Ekeler is also an excellent pass-catcher out of the backfield. He had 92 receptions for 993 yards with eight touchdowns in 2019 and then in 2022, he added 107 catches for 722 yards and five touchdowns. For his career, he has 440 catches for 3,884 yards and 30 touchdowns.

The Browns are likely to say goodbye to Kareem Hunt, who was also a solid receiver out of the backfield. Replacing him with Ekeler would be an upgrade and would allow them to have a one-two punch similar to what we saw in 2020 with Chubb and Hunt.

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