NFL free agency is still on schedule to kick off this coming week. Here’s where the Browns stand in terms of cap room and position needs.
Cleveland Browns Cap Room – $65,347,140
The Cleveland Browns currently sit seventh in the NFL in available cap space going into free agency and fourth in the AFC in available cap space. The teams ahead of them are the Miami Dolphins ($93.5 million), Indianapolis Colts ($86.1 million), Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($84.9 million), Buffalo Bills ($78.4 million), New York Giants ($77.7 million), and Dallas Cowboys ($73.9 million).
Of the teams in the top seven, the Browns represent one of three teams who have their starting quarterback currently on the roster. One could argue the number is two if the Colts opt to sign free agent Philip Rivers, which is a hot rumor. In any case, this could potentially leave the Browns in a better available cap space position because of quarterback cost.
Information provided by spotrac.com
Top Needs
Offensive Tackle (both right and left)
In 2019 the Browns relied on the tandem of Greg Robinson at left tackle and Chris Hubbard at right tackle. Moving forward to 2020 this is no longer a viable scenario for the franchise if they want to protect Baker Mayfield and give him space to develop.
We can already surmise Greg Robinson will not be back after his recent encounter with law enforcement. Hubbard, on the other hand, is still on the roster. Even with offensive tackle being one of the riskiest positions to invest in during free agency, the Browns will at minimum need to improve the overall depth at the position.
Safety
Similar to offensive tackle, safety is currently one of the most depleted areas of the roster. Damarious Randall is scheduled to be a free agent after an injury-filled 2019 campaign, Sheldrick Redwine is entering his sophomore season, Morgan Burnett tore his Achilles late in 2019, and Juston Burris is a restricted free agent. Leaving the offseason, it is likely the Browns start 2020 with two new names starting at safety.
Slot Cornerback
For the most part, there shouldn’t be too much of a change at the cornerback position. Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams will likely be the starting duo with Terrance Mitchell scheduled to come off the bench in relief. Unfortunately, with the release of T.J. Carrie, the Browns now have a significant hole at slot cornerback. It is possible new defensive coordinator Joe Woods opts to play Denzel Ward more in the slot and allow Williams and Murray to play outside in nickel situations.
Linebacker
Mike and weakside linebacker should be towards the front of everyone’s minds with the impending free agency of Joe Schobert and the expected release of Christian Kirksey. As the roster falls at the time this post is being written, second-year players Sione Takitaki and Mack Wilson are heirs apparent to these two key positions.
While it is impossible to predict what the Browns are going to do, I expect the Browns to invest in the middle linebacker position more significantly. The Browns need someone in the middle of the field with the dot on their helmet who they can trust to communicate with the second level of the defense.
Defensive Line
I firmly believe the way you win in today’s NFL is rushing the passer and covering where the passer is throwing the ball. Additionally, the time you need a run-stuffing defensive tackle is usually when you are losing a game and the opposition is running the ball down your throat. With this said, the middle of the Browns defensive line is susceptible.
The reinstatement of Myles Garrett improves the effectiveness of the line and Olivier Vernon and Sheldon Richardson being healthy are big gains. Unfortunately, the Browns still need more out of Larry Ogunjobi and to improve the overall depth of the line.
Right Guard
I have some reservations putting right guard on this list because there are four viable internal options at this position who have varying levels of ability and athleticism. I don’t believe this is a premium position of need, but I do feel this is a position where the Browns need to identify Eric Kush, Wyatt Teller, Drew Forbes, or Colby Gossett as the starter and allow them to grow into the position. This feels like the least pressing need for the franchise going into free agency.
Summary
The deficiencies of the Cleveland Browns cannot be remedied with a single free agency signing or the number ten overall draft pick. Skillfully and patiently navigating both opportunities to add talent to this roster is crucial after two seasons of irresponsibly wasting previous players on the roster, draft capital, and salary cap. Andrew Berry was hired to be aggressive in his moves. This does not mean reckless. Expect calculated, creative, and intentional moves to improve and repair this roster.