If one position group that needs a complete facelift this offseason for the Cleveland Browns, it’s the wide receiver room. Going into last season, the group had massive questions, and those questions were never answered as the season went on. Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy is a WR2 at this point in his career, not a WR1. Cedric Tillman has issues in terms of his durability, and the rest of the room was unproven. General manager Andrew Berry banked on the group taking a leap in terms of development, but
it ended up not working.
The receiver part of the Browns roster needs to be overhauled and competent in order for the passing offense to have some form of a pulse.
Realistic FA Targets: WR Christian Kirk & WR Deebo Samuel
Let’s start with Kirk, who bounced around the AFC South for the past few seasons, two seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars and this past season with the Houston Texans, is slated to be on the market again this season. Last time that Kirk was a free agent, he reset the wide receiver market when he signed a 4-year, $72 million contract ($37 million guaranteed). After going over 1,000 yards receiving in his first year in Jacksonville, Kirk was in and out of the lineup before getting traded to a division rival.
Kirk, who is mainly a slot receiver, is likely not to have a robust market, but Kirk is an option for the Browns. Kirk can complement the passing game and can be a reliable target in the red zone. Kirk saw his production go up later in the season with the Texans.
Another option is Samuel, who is also hitting the market and can be a reliable option for the right price. Samuel, who is also a reliable slot option but isn’t near what he was in San Francisco, can be a veteran presence in the locker room. Samuel was a reliable target for the Washington Commanders this past season after being traded by the Niners and the Cleveland receiver room could benefit from a veteran.
Again, it would come down to price, and if the Browns situation is enticing enough for Samuel to sign here, it’s an option that the team should consider.
WR’s to Target in the 2026 NFL Draft: Ohio State WR Carnell Tate & USC WR Makai Lemon
This draft class of wide receivers is deep and talented, but let’s focus on these two. Tate, who was a star at Ohio State (on the other side from Jeremiah Smith), is WR2 on my big board. Prototypical X, Tate is someone who can immediately make Cleveland’s wide receiver room a lot better. Tate doesn’t have the breakaway speed, but he’s quick off the line, has good ball tracking abilities, and he’s fluid in terms of his route running.
If Tate is available at #6, the Browns shouldn’t hesitate to take him.
Makai Lemon could be the best receiver in this class when it’s all said and done. Lemon, who is getting comparisons to another USC alum, Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St.Brown, is an instant Day 1 starter. His size shouldn’t be a concern, as his tape while playing with the Trojans was sensational. Elite ball tracking skills, great at contested catches, Lemon can be someone who can be an instant contributor for Cleveland.
Lemon could go higher than people think due to his tape and his performance at the combine. He was one of the top receivers in the Big 10 this season, which is impressive considering that conference had Carnell Tate, Jeremiah Smith, and Elijah Surratt.
Potential WR Room for 2026
WR-X: Carnell Tate (R)
WR-Y: Christian Kirk
WR-Z: Jerry Jeudy
Bench WRs (2 or 3 of): Cedric Tillman, Isaiah Bond, Malachi Corley, Tyren Montgomery, Gage Larvadain, Van Jefferson
What do you think about the proposed new and improved Browns roster with this WR corps?
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