As the Super Bowl stage gets set for a showdown between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, fans in Cleveland are left watching from the sidelines once again. The Browns faithful know the feeling all too well-another season ending short of the big game, another offseason filled with questions. And now, all eyes turn to GM Andrew Berry, who’s tasked with navigating a tricky offseason and finding a way to push this roster from playoff hopeful to serious contender.
Berry has already signaled that Browns fans shouldn’t expect fireworks in free agency. But that doesn’t mean Cleveland won’t be active-it just means they’ll need to be smart. And with the Patriots and Seahawks both playing on Super Bowl Sunday, there’s no better place to start looking for potential additions than the teams who made it to the top.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the pending free agents from both Super Bowl squads-players who could be intriguing fits in Cleveland if the Browns decide to go shopping in that aisle.
New England Patriots Pending Free Agents
TE Austin Hooper - A familiar name for Browns fans, Hooper had a previous stint in Cleveland and could be a depth option if the Browns are looking for a veteran tight end with experience in multiple systems. He’s not the dynamic threat he once was, but he’s reliable and knows how to find soft spots in coverage.
DE K’Lavon Chaisson - A former first-round pick who hasn’t quite lived up to expectations, Chaisson is still young and has athletic upside. If Cleveland’s looking to bolster its pass rush rotation without breaking the bank, he could be a low-risk, high-reward type of signing.
DL Khyiris Tonga - Tonga brings size and power to the interior defensive line. He’s not flashy, but he can plug gaps and eat up space-something the Browns could use more of, especially when facing run-heavy teams in the AFC North.
S Jaylinn Hawkins - A versatile safety who’s spent time as both a starter and rotational piece. Hawkins could provide depth and special teams value, and he fits the mold of a player who can step in when needed without being a liability.
LB Jack Gibbins (Restricted) - Gibbins is a restricted free agent, so the Patriots will have a chance to match any offer. But if he hits the market, he’s a steady, assignment-sound linebacker who could compete for snaps in Cleveland’s rotation.
RB D’Ernest Johnson - Another familiar face. Johnson had some strong moments during his time in Cleveland, and a reunion wouldn’t be out of the question if the Browns want to add depth behind Nick Chubb and Jerome Ford.
OL Vederian Lowe - A developmental offensive lineman who’s shown flashes. Lowe wouldn’t be a splash signing, but he could compete for a backup role and provide insurance at tackle.
TE Jack Westover - A rookie tight end with upside. Westover might be more of a practice squad or developmental option, but he’s someone to keep an eye on.
Seattle Seahawks Pending Free Agents
S Coby Bryant - A young, physical safety with positional versatility. Bryant has played both nickel and safety in Seattle’s scheme, and that kind of flexibility could be valuable in Jim Schwartz’s defense.
CB Josh Jobe - A depth corner who’s still finding his footing at the NFL level. Jobe has special teams value and could be a low-cost addition to the secondary.
CB Tarig Woolen - This one jumps off the page. Woolen has rare size and speed for a corner and has already shown flashes of being a game-changer.
If he hits the market, expect plenty of interest-and rightfully so. He’d be a big swing for any team, including Cleveland.
LB Drake Thomas - A high-motor linebacker who plays with energy and physicality. Thomas could bring some juice to the Browns’ special teams and compete for a rotational linebacker spot.
WR Rashid Shaheed - One of the most dynamic returners and deep threats in the league. If Cleveland wants to add speed and playmaking to its wide receiver room-and potentially juice up its return game-Shaheed would be a name to watch.
RB Kenneth Walker III - A breakout talent who’s been a key piece in Seattle’s offense. It’s unlikely the Seahawks let him walk, but if he does become available, he’d be one of the top backs on the market. For Cleveland, it would depend heavily on how they view their current backfield and Nick Chubb’s recovery.
CB Ty Okada - Another depth corner who could compete for a roster spot. Okada has special teams experience and could be a camp body with upside.
DE Boye Mafe - Mafe has taken big strides as a pass rusher and would be a strong fit in a rotation opposite Myles Garrett. He’s the kind of ascending player that teams love to target before they become too expensive.
What This Means for the Browns
Cleveland won’t be able to sign everyone on this list, and they won’t try to. But this is the type of offseason where smart, targeted moves can make a real difference. Berry and his staff will be looking for value-players who can fill specific roles, bring competition to key spots, and help elevate the overall depth of the roster.
And while the Browns watch the Patriots and Seahawks battle it out for the Lombardi Trophy, they’ll also be watching for potential building blocks. Because if Cleveland wants to be playing in this game next year, it starts with making the right moves now.