With free agency set to begin next week, will defensive end Za’Darius Smith and quarterback Joe Flacco return to the Cleveland Browns?
Looking to keep their roster competitive again in 2024, the Browns will be active this offseason on the trade market and in free agency. Last year, they were able to go out and get defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, wide receiver Elijah Moore, defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo, Smith, and more. They were also able to retain their own talent with names like center Ethan Pocic, linebackers Anthony Walker Jr. and Sione Takitaki, and backup guard Michael Dunn all returning a year ago.
What kind of damage can the Browns do in free agency this offseason? More importantly, how many of their own free agents will they be able to bring back as well?
Let’s play “stay or go” for all 26 pending free agents set to hit the market next week. How many will the Browns bring back in 2024? Will Smith and Flacco be among them?
The Browns want Smith back, and if they made it work with Jadeveon Clowney on a one-year, $10 million deal, then they can make it work here as well.
Steam is building for Flacco to return to Cleveland in 2024.
Coming off of an injury, the Browns will be able to sign Hurst to a minimum deal once again. He’s a valuable rotational piece who loves Cleveland.
Harris is nearing the end of his career. Why not go out playing next to Myles Garrett and with defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz?
Bryant will continue to be TE3 at best for the Browns and could find greener pastures out there. The Browns can replace him for just the price of a Day 3 pick as well.
Due to his injury history and sickle cell complications, Goodwin could be closer to retirement than signing with another team.
After four years together, it’s probably best for both sides to partake in a divorce.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Playing just one down of football in a Browns uniform, the back-to-back season-ending injuries are not overcomable.
He’s a valuable special teamer who will come cheap. Ford will be back.
See above.
Hunt will be remembered fondly in Cleveland, but there is no juice left in those legs.
A season-ending injury late in the year for an aging vet is a hard thing to come back from.
Like Adams and Ford, Kunaszyk is a cheap special teamer. The trick is finding a way to keep him off the field defensively.
After three years, it’s clear the injuries have zapped the play of Walker Jr. It’s time to move on.
Brought in due to injuries, the Browns have no real need to bring Harmon back.
Next.
After four years and four season-ending injuries, it’s time to move on from Phillips.
If the Browns find themselves in need of Geron Christian again then there are some bigger underlying issues.
A returner in a pinch this past season, it would be surprising to see Proche back.
Cleveland’s starting SAM linebacker, it’s hard to find a more consistent player than Takitaki.
Don’t be shocked if Walker lands back on the practice squad next year.
Every year Michael Dunn hits the market and every year Michael Dunn returns.
The selection of Luke Wypler a year ago seemed to paint the picture of Harris’ future in Cleveland.
As an exclusive rights free agent, the Browns can bring back Kamara for cheap. He’s been a mainstay on their practice squad.
Another guy brought into the building due to injuries, it would be odd for the Browns to bring back a 39-year-old offensive tackle who suffered a season-ending injury.