Browns draft strategy: Positional value as defined by contract values

Mar 30, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry (left) with Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Cleveland Browns opene

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What is the story about?

The Cleveland Browns opened their offseason activities this week, with just over two weeks to go until the 2026 NFL draft kicks off. In many ways, the discussions and rumors around the Browns draft plans have become slightly boring. Wide receiver, offensive tackle, or trade down with the sixth pick? Basically, the same options with the 24th overall pick.

A more general conversation around the draft and free agency is often about positional value. In general, most agree that quarterback, offensive

tackle, wide receiver, edge rusher, and cornerback have the highest value, but the unicorn defensive tackle that can rush the passer and stop the run might be the most unique. A conversation on social media about how contract values help prove which positions are most valuable led to some interesting discussions:

Spotrac provided an easy chart to help look at that concept:

Some of the above numbers are surprising, especially when looking at a similar number of players under contract. Despite cornerback often being listed among the elite positions, guards and defensive tackles make more on average. Starting corners average slightly more than starting guards, but that is flipped in averages.

With Kimes’ argument, that means guards and corners have basically the same value.

The running back position was the starting point of the discussion, and the chart shows a wide variance. Starting running backs get paid just above safeties and just below centers. The average running back, on the other hand, gets paid like a special teams player and less than kickers. The specialist group is a much smaller sample, but it is still eye-opening to see the average running back salary lumped in there.

Do you agree with the idea that the NFL tells us what positions they value based on contracts? What stands out to you in the above chart, and how should it impact the Browns draft decisions?