The Cleveland Browns have been busy in this year’s free agency period. When a team loses 26 games in the past two seasons, there are plenty of problems and numerous holes to be filled.
GM Andrew Berry has a long list of players he focused on, as well as positions of need.
RELATED: BROWNS FAN GRADE EARLY FREE AGENT SIGNINGS
And with free agent signings, there is always someone who wants to rank and rate what has transpired so far.
Just so happens that ESPN has plenty of sports writers, and one of them,
Seth Walder, took on the assignment. So, what did ESPN have to say about who the Browns signed in free agency: 2026 edition? Walder stayed strictly with the offensive line additions.
Texans trade OT Howard to Browns
Browns get: OT Tytus Howard
Texans get: 2026 fifth-round pick
ESPN is well aware that Cleveland could have five new offensive linemen next season. Which may or may not be the case. It all depends on OT Dawand Jones, who started Week 1 of this past season.
OT Tytus Howard was the first transaction for Berry in this year’s free agency period. He traded a 2026 fifth-round draft pick for arguably the Houston Texans’ best offensive lineman on March 2, seven days before the tampering period began. Howard played right tackle in his senior year of college and last year with Houston. He has also played some guard.
With the trade to Cleveland, Howard will receive a new three-year, $63 million deal that will keep him with the franchise through the 2029 season. His existing contract was set to expire at the end of the 2026 season, and now gives Cleveland an established starter at RT while Jones has been penciled in at LT.
Walder stated regarding the trade:
“In acquiring Howard, an offensive tackle, Cleveland starts the massive rebuild of its offensive line. But was it worth it? I have a hard time seeing how. The Browns are likely getting a below-average starter. And he isn’t cheap.”
Howard ranked in the 24th percentile in pass block win rate at tackle and the 31st percentile in run block win rate at tackle last season. His Pro Football Focus grade was 62.7, with high pass protection numbers and a very low 50.7 run-blocking grade. His issue is the inability to remain engaged with his defender on running downs, especially when pulling.
He did not allow a single sack last year, but had eight penalties and allowed 21 pressures.
Walder continued:
“Is this where (the Browns) want to spend their resources, dealing a fifth-round pick to pay what might be an over-market deal for a below-average starter? That’s not how I’d want to kick off the offseason.”
Browns grade: D+
Texans grade: A-
Browns sign OG Zion Johnson
Walder starts by discussing Cleveland’s need for offensive linemen. And Johnson was second in line to make the Browns his new home, right behind Howard, but the first new player in this year’s free agent market.
Johnson is known for being a very strong run blocker, which is going to be the heart of Todd Monken’s new offensive strategy. Johnson recorded a run block win rate in the 98th percentile last season, up from the 33rd percentile just a year ago.
Walder asked:
“So, given the run blocking and the fact that Johnson is in the prime of his career at age 26, what are the drawbacks? Pass protection — at least last season. Johnson was in just the fifth percentile in pass block win rate last season, an alarming number that ought to give Cleveland pause.”
Most players have positive marks and areas that need improvement – unless they are Myles Garrett. Johnson’s pass block win rate was better than average in 2024 and located in the fifth percentile this past season.
Terms: Three years, $49.5 million
Grade: C+/B- fringe
Browns sign OG/C Elgton Jenkins
What Walder mentions is that Cleveland signed what they identify as a “position-less offensive lineman,” meaning he plays all five spots along the line.
“Jenkins has had seasons when he has ascended to a higher level of play,” mentioned Walder. “In 2021, Jenkins recorded strong numbers at tackle. Jenkins played last season at center and had middling results.”
Last year, Jenkins held a run block win rate at the 57th percentile and 47th in pass block win rate. In 2022, he was voted to the Pro Bowl playing guard with a win rate in the 89th percentile.
“If Jenkins can get back to his level of play from a few years ago, he will be a steal for Cleveland,” Walder explained. “If Jenkins ends up an average guard or center, he will be worth it and a much better deal than his new teammate, Zion Johnson (at $16.5 million per year). But Jenkins has upside for more, and that’s what makes this such a strong contract for Cleveland.”
Terms: Two years, up to $24 million
Grade: A
What do you think about how Walder grades Cleveland’s moves so far this year?
