After back-to-back seasons of 3-14 and 5-12, the Cleveland Browns are staring down a pivotal offseason. The patience of ownership finally wore thin, with head coach Kevin Stefanski shown the door. Yet, GM Andrew Berry remains in place, now holding the keys to reshape the roster-and perhaps his own legacy-heading into 2026.
With free agency opening on March 11, the Browns have a chance to retool a roster that’s shown flashes but has lacked consistency and depth in key areas. And while the AFC and NFC Championship games rightfully dominate headlines this weekend, Cleveland’s front office should already have eyes on players whose postseason runs could soon be over-and whose talents could make a major difference in orange and brown.
Here are four intriguing free agents the Browns should seriously consider targeting:
Tariq Woolen, CB - Seattle Seahawks
At 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, Tariq Woolen isn’t your typical cornerback. He’s a rare blend of size, speed, and ball skills-traits that helped him notch 12 interceptions and a Pro Bowl nod early in his career. But in Seattle’s crowded secondary, Woolen saw his role fluctuate this past season, which could make him a more accessible target on the open market.
For the Browns, Woolen would be an ideal complement to Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell, giving Cleveland a long, athletic trio that could smother opposing receivers and force quarterbacks into mistakes. And let’s be honest-no one would benefit more than Myles Garrett. With better coverage behind him, Garrett might have even more time to wreck backfields and chase down that elusive sack record.
Seattle may not be in a position to pay premium money for a player who’s not a full-time starter anymore, which opens the door for the Browns to swoop in and add a playmaker who fits perfectly in Jim Schwartz’s aggressive defense.
Rashid Shaheed, WR - Seattle Seahawks
Rashid Shaheed is electric. The 27-year-old wideout made a name for himself as a return specialist-earning both All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors-but he’s far more than just a special teams weapon. After being traded midseason from the Saints to the Seahawks, Shaheed immediately showcased his ability to stretch the field, averaging 14.7 yards per catch across his career.
For a Browns offense that’s lacked explosiveness and consistency at receiver, Shaheed could be a game-changer. His track-star speed would open up the vertical passing game, something Cleveland simply hasn’t had in recent years. And as a bonus, he’d immediately upgrade a special teams unit that’s been, frankly, underwhelming.
Pairing Shaheed with Jerry Jeudy and potentially a top rookie wideout could transform the Browns’ receiving corps from a liability into a legitimate threat. He’s the kind of dual-purpose player who can tilt field position and score from anywhere-a dynamic the Browns desperately need.
K'Lavon Chaisson, EDGE - New England Patriots
It’s taken a few years, but K'Lavon Chaisson finally found his groove in 2025. Playing in a system that let him pin his ears back and go, the 26-year-old edge rusher racked up 7.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles for the Patriots’ fourth-ranked defense.
The Browns have long been searching for a consistent running mate for Myles Garrett. While they’ve rotated bodies like Alex Wright and Isaiah McGuire into the spot, the results have been mixed. Chaisson, with his burst off the edge and ability to disrupt plays in the backfield, would bring a new level of stability-and danger-to that side of the line.
Adding Chaisson wouldn’t just be about boosting sack numbers. It’s about keeping Garrett fresh, creating havoc from multiple angles, and building a defense that can carry the team while the offense finds its footing. If the Browns can’t land a game-changing quarterback this offseason, their best path to relevance might be fielding the league’s most feared defense.
Cobie Durant, CB - Los Angeles Rams
If Woolen ends up out of reach, Cobie Durant is a name worth circling in bold. At 5-foot-11 and 183 pounds, Durant may not have Woolen’s size, but he brings plenty of impact. Starting 15 games for the Rams’ top-10 defense, Durant tied for the team lead with three interceptions-one of which he returned for a touchdown-and broke up seven passes.
He’s not afraid to mix it up either. With 40 combined tackles, Durant showed a willingness to support the run and get physical when needed. That kind of versatility and toughness would fit right in with the Browns’ defensive identity.
Slotting Durant next to Ward and Campbell would give Cleveland a deep, adaptable cornerback group. And just like with Woolen, the ripple effect on the pass rush could be massive. With tighter coverage on the back end, Garrett and company would have more time to feast in the trenches.
Final Thoughts
The Browns are at a crossroads. With a new head coach on the way and a front office under pressure to deliver results, this free agency window carries more weight than most. The team’s best path forward might not be through splashy quarterback signings or headline-grabbing trades, but through smart, targeted moves that shore up key weaknesses.
Adding players like Woolen or Durant to the secondary, Shaheed to the receiving and return game, and Chaisson to the pass rush rotation could give the Browns the kind of balance and depth they’ve been missing. And in a division that demands toughness, speed, and playmaking on both sides of the ball, those additions could be the difference between another lost season-and a serious run at relevance.