There is little doubt that the Cleveland Browns roster needs help, especially on the offensive side of the ball. The addition of OT Tytus Howard is helpful, but Browns GM Andrew Berry still has a long way to go in filling out a functional offensive line and playmaker group for whoever is playing quarterback.
On defense, new coordinator Mike Rutenberg might have a few tweaks about what he is looking for, including at free safety and the open linebacker spot.
With the NFL offseason schedule moving along
quickly, Berry and company have a lot of work to do in preparation for NFL free agency and trades. New HC Todd Monken noted at the NFL combine that he was a little behind in evaluating the players on Cleveland’s roster, as filling out the coaching staff was his highest priority.
In many ways, the Browns should be looking to add just three types of players this offseason:
- Top 10 at their position, even if expensive
- Cheap young guys (NFL draft, taking a flyer on players who failed during rookie contracts)
- Veteran stopgaps near league minimum
Who does that leave out? Middle-of-the-pack players who will get big contracts.
Howard could be an example of that type of player. At his best, Howard is a Top 15 to 20 right tackle in the NFL. While that is worth $15 million or so per season, Cleveland’s not in a position to add more of those players to its roster. WR Jerry Jeudy, DE Alex Wright, DT Maliek Collins, and CB Tyson Campbell, as well as OL Joel Bitonio if he returns, already fill that “good but not great with strong contracts” typeology.
Good teams have those players to supplement their stars and help the younger players develop at a proper rate. The Browns roster, especially on offense, lacks the type of top talent to buttress adding good players at free agent market rates.
It all comes down to how Cleveland’s decision makers evaluate the talent available in free agency or trades. Is Rasheed Walker a Top 10-level left tackle? If so, be aggressive. Are QBs Malik Willis, Kyler Murray, Kirk Cousins, Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones, etc either Top 10-level quarterbacks or willing to sign veteran minimum contracts? Great, push to acquire.
Otherwise, while fans and media will want the Browns to add “talent however they can,” Berry and company should be picky in their decisions moving forward. Cleveland is not in a position to take a huge step forward just with free agency (Berry admitted as much at the NFL combine), so they shouldn’t use significant cap space or block growth opportunities from younger players just to add midlevel players on big contracts.
Browns fans want a better team on the field, but the team should be focused on the big picture and the real goal, a Super Bowl championship, not just winning another game or two in 2026.
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