Another Super Bowl is coming up and the Cleveland Browns once again find themselves trying to figure out how to get into the big game finally. The good news for them is that they're much closer than they have been in recent years.
Not only did they make it into the playoffs with a backup quarterback but they were also the only team to knock off the No. 1 seed from each conference. One of those wins was against the San Francisco 49ers, who are representing the NFC.
With that being the case, they know they don't have to make any massive overhauls to contend in 2024. But if they do these five things during the offseason, they would greatly increase their chances.
5. Find a new play-making linebacker
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah went off in 2023. The third-year linebacker had 101 tackles, two picks, and 3.5 sacks. The added beef on the defensive line was a huge help for him since it kept him from going up against offensive linemen too often but he was also more comfortable in the scheme coached by Jim Schwartz.
Looking ahead to 2024, the Browns need to find someone to run alongside him. Anthony Walker, Jr. and Sione Takitaki were the top linebackers next to him in 2023 and while they had their strengths, neither were known for game-changing plays. They're also both set for free agency.
Bringing back Takitaki would be a good move since he's strong against the run but another impact player would be an even better addition. They might not be able to afford someone such as Josey Jewell but perhaps another speedy option such as Isaiah Simmons could excel in this scheme.
4. Browns need to keep adding to interior of the D-line
One thing the Browns did well in 2023 was to add more talent along the interior of their defensive line, and the results spoke for themselves. When Joe Woods was calling plays, they were bullied in the ground game but once Jim Schwartz took over, they made a point of adding power to the middle.
Cleveland picked up Dalvin Tomlinson in free agency and he was able to anchor the middle. His presence helped Jordan Elliott take his next step as a pro and he had his best campaign to date. Elliott was also aided by a solid rotation that kept him fresh.
This included Maurice Hurst, who was a low-risk signing after missing the entire 2022 campaign. They also brought in veteran Shelby Harris, who is known as a 3-tech but was better against the run than expected this year.
Looking ahead, the Browns have to make some moves once again. Elliott, Hurst, and Harris are all three set to hit the open market. They do have Siaki Ika but he hardly saw the field as a rookie. Cleveland needs to make sure to bring back at least one of these free agents and they need to ensure a rookie is also there to push Ika. If not, we know how bad it can get in the middle.
3. Ensure their OL is strong with a starting-quality backup LT
Jedrick Wills, Jr. was a very popular player during his rookie season as the 10th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft held his own despite making the move from right tackle to the left side. He appeared to be the answer they had been searching for since Joe Thomas retired but since that first campaign, he's been trending in the wrong direction.
Wills has dealt with nagging injuries and inconsistent play but what has really hurt his image with the fan base is the emotion he shows on the field. Wills comes across as if he's not fully engaged at times and that leads to a belief he's not giving full effort.
Despite this, he's going to be the starter in 2024 unless things completely fall apart. Cleveland picked up the fifth-year option in his rookie deal which not only means he's under contract this coming season but his deal is also fully guaranteed. With more than $14.5 million coming his way, Wills will get at least one more shot to prove he's their guy.
Having said that, the Browns can't go into the season with James Hudson as the primary reserve left tackle. They need someone who can start and while there's no building block player they can bring in, they can wind up with either Cam Fleming or maybe even Chris Hubbard. Either would be an improvement as the No. 2 blindside protector and a great emergency option.
2. Bolster the EDGE with a free agent addition
For two years, the Browns were able to pair Jadeveon Clowney with Myles Garrett, giving them two No. 1 overall picks on the edge. Garrett continued to be their defensive leader while Clowney revived his career in 2021. Then in 2022, the relationship fell apart as Clowney accused the coaching staff of tailoring their game plan to Garrett — which is exactly what any coaching staff should do.
With him out the door, the Browns swung a trade for Za'Darius Smith. He was a solid No. 2 edge rusher but had just 5.5 sacks which was less than he expected. Even so, he's likely going to be able to command a decent amount of money in free agency. Cleveland could see what it would take to land him — or they could swing for the fences and build up their defensive line even more through free agency.
Options they can kick around include Josh Allen or Danielle Hunter who will break the bank. Both had huge campaigns in 2023 and trying to land them would necessitate some creative accounting. There are also more affordable options such as Dorance Armstrong or A.J. Epenesa.
Armstong has 16 sacks over the past two seasons for Dallas and is a strong run defender. Epenesa is also good setting the edge against the run and has come on strong against the pass as well. He's recorded 6.5 sacks in each of the past two seasons for the Bills.
Cleveland can even go for a low-risk/high-reward signing such as Randy Gregory or Carl Lawson. Whatever they do, they need to make sure they have plenty of players who can slow down the opposing quarterback.
1. Land a stud wide receiver like Tee Higgins or Mike Evans
Amari Cooper continues to shine for the Browns as he became the first player in team history to record more than 1,000-yards receiving in back-to-back campaigns. They also had Elijah Moore step up throughout the season, finishing with 640 yards on 59 receptions. Outside of them, there were far too many question marks.
That was never more evident than during their Week 17 win over the New York Jets. With Cooper already out, Moore had five receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown but then went down with a concussion in the first half. With him out as well, no one seemed to be able to create any separation.
Looking ahead to 2024, the Browns could look to add more weapons in the offseason. One player being connected to them is Tee Higgins, who Deshaun Watson has already tried to recruit. Signing Higgins would be a huge investment and the Browns would need players such as Cooper to help make it happen — since they'll need to free up cap space.
In addition to Higgins, Mike Evans is another player who could wind up finding a new home. He too will command top-dollar but would be well worth it. Evans, who is now 30 years old, had 1,255 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2023. He's played 10 seasons in the NFL and has never had fewer than 1,000 yards receiving and has elite size at 6-foot-5 and 231-pounds. Adding him would almost make this offense feel unfair, making it worth kicking the can down the road on several salaries to fit it in the budget.