The Cleveland Browns have made it a trend to attack free agency by targeting at least one former first rounder who requires a change of scenery. Could they do the same with names like defensive end Chase Young or offensive tackle Mekhi Becton when 2024 NFL free agency opens in March?
They’ve done it with safety Karl Joseph in 2020, defensive end Takk McKinley in 2021, and defensive tackle Taven Bryan in 2022. It’s a trend for the Browns to look at players with a great deal of upside who may just need a fresh start. It worked for McKinley, who unfortunately suffered a season-ending injury late in the 2021 season that hurt his chances of getting a new deal.
Especially spending on a tighter (although not penny-pinching) budget as well, this could be the way the Browns look to add young talent for cheap. It is a low-risk move that comes with a high reward if the player lives up to their potential.
Here are former first round reclamation projects the Browns could target when free agency rolls around this year.