The NFL's legal tampering period kicked off with a whirlwind of activity for the Cleveland Browns, setting the stage for an intriguing offseason. With the official league year now underway, let's break down the early winners and losers for the Browns as they navigate free agency.
Winners
The Browns’ Offensive Line: Cleveland clearly prioritized revamping their offensive line, and they’ve made some bold moves. Gone are the familiar faces of Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller, and Jack Conklin, marking the end of an era.
Instead, the Browns traded for Tytus Howard and signed Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins, while re-signing Tevin Jenkins. This fresh lineup boasts versatility and durability, promising a strong mix of run and pass blocking.
With Dawand Jones potentially filling the last spot, or a possible draft pick stepping in, the Browns' line looks poised for a significant upgrade.
Punting Continuity: The Browns have secured punter Corey Bojorquez for another season. While last year wasn’t his best, there's hope that a new special teams coordinator can help him regain his form. Consistency in the kicking game is crucial, and Bojorquez’s return is a step in the right direction.
Avoiding Maxx Crosby: Browns fans can breathe a sigh of relief as the Baltimore Ravens backed out of a trade for DE Maxx Crosby. Although the Ravens landed Trey Hendrickson, avoiding Crosby twice a year is a win for Cleveland.
Shedeur Sanders: With several teams making quarterback moves, the Browns have kept their QB room intact, giving Shedeur Sanders a clearer path to compete for the starting role. While Deshaun Watson remains a factor, Sanders’ prospects for 2026 look promising.
Losers
Legacy Plays: The Browns are saying goodbye to key veterans like Joel Bitonio, David Njoku, Wyatt Teller, and Jack Conklin. These players have been integral to the team and the community, and their departure marks the end of an era for fans.
Tight End Weapons: The signing of Jack Stoll, primarily a pass-blocking tight end, suggests a shift in strategy. With Harold Fannin as the main receiving threat, the Browns seem to be moving towards a more balanced approach in their tight end sets.
Defensive End Depth: The loss of DE Cameron Thomas, who signed elsewhere, leaves a gap in the Browns' defensive line rotation. With other free agents like DT Shelby Harris and DE Sam Kamara still unsigned, Cleveland might need to make additional moves to bolster their depth.
The Wide Receiver Room: Despite addressing the offensive line, the Browns have yet to make any moves to strengthen their wide receiver corps. This could indicate a draft focus, but it also raises questions about the current group’s ability to step up under the guidance of Todd Monken.
Despite these moves, Cleveland's odds have taken a hit, likely due to concerns about the quarterback position. As the offseason progresses, the Browns will need to continue addressing these areas to improve their standing in the league.