The Cleveland Browns are on bye this week, so it feels like the perfect time to start looking into some of the players who are set to become free agents following the 2025 season.
As of right now, the team has 29 players who are becoming free agents when the new league year hits in 2026. Of those 29 players, there are quite a few who should be extended. We’re going to rank the top 10 projected free agents in order of importance to extend before the year is over.
1. DE Alex Wright
As we’ve seen over
the past few weeks, Wright is dominant at the point of attack against the run and has a surprising amount of “wiggle” as a pass rusher. He’s a key rotational player both inside and out along the defensive line for Cleveland, and they must get him locked up for the future.
2. S Ronnie Hickman
Hickman has really taken a step forward this season, and he’s shown the ability to be a quality starter at free safety. If he’s willing to sign a new contract at a reasonable price like Alex Wright, he’s a “must-have” for the team going forward.
3. LB Mohamoud Diabate
A former UDFA linebacker who’s shown glimpses of starting potential at a position of possible uncertainty? Yes please.
4. OG Teven Jenkins
Jenkins has been a pleasant surprise when on the field in 2025, and at only 28 years old, he’s a prime candidate to take over at one of the guard spots in 2026.
5. LB Devin Bush
Bush has been a staple in Jim Schwartz’s defense over the past two seasons, and it’s probably worth it to extend him at this point. He’s now had a large enough sample size after underwhelming early on in his career.
6. WR Malachi Corley
This may look odd to some, but Corley has been decent as a gadget player and downfield blocker for Kevin Stefanski. Cleveland liked him as an NFL Draft prospect, and now they’ve gotten to see what he can do in the offense. Giving Corley a cheap 1-2 year deal might be a good value play for the Browns.
7. P Corey Bojorquez
Bojorquez has been the most consistent punter that the team has had in a while, and they would probably love to get him extended again.
8. CB Martin Emerson Jr.
The Browns are in an interesting spot when it comes to cornerback, which is why Emerson is No.8 on this list. Cleveland now has Denzel Ward, Tyson Campbell, and Myles Harden playing at a high level, which gives them some freedom here. It would be nice to give Emerson a new contract at a reasonable price, but if not, no big deal.
9. LB Winston Reid
Reid has shown the ability to contribute in spurts on defense and has been a top special teamer for Bubba Ventrone. Based on how the Browns have valued these types of players in the past, it’s safe to say that Reid is on the team’s list of players to extend.
10. K Andre Szmyt
Szmyt is here because he would be incredibly cheap to extend, and he’s been “okay” for them in 2025. It’s also a plus to have a guy who’s kicked in Cleveland weather before as well.
What are your thoughts on this list? Join fellow Browns fans in the comment section below.
