There are a lot of reasons to be excited about the Cleveland Browns future. The 2025 NFL draft class provided a firm foundation for the team, and many believe that the 2026 rookies could take that a step further. Questions linger at the quarterback position, with the potential that QB Brendan Sorsby could be added, through the NFL’s supplemental draft, to an interesting QB depth chart.
The Browns roster is far from perfect, but it has a lot of upside to look forward to. WR Denzel Boston spoke recently
about being in Cleveland, learning the playbook, and his partnership with KC Concepcion.
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The joke that “NFL stands for Not For Long” always impacts looking ahead, however. For Cleveland, as of now, there are seven players who are possibly or even likely to be starters who are set to enter NFL free agency at the end of the 2026 NFL season:
- QB Deshaun Watson
- DT Maliek Collins
- S Grant Delpit
- S Ronnie Hickman
- DE Isaiah McGuire
- OL Teven Jenkins
- P Corey Bojorquez
Of those listed, McGuire may be the primary backup to Myles Garrett and Alex Wright, but a new defensive coordinator could prioritize McGuire’s pass-rush ability. Jenkins was re-signed to a one-year deal this offseason and is likely to compete for the right guard spot, while GM Andrew Berry has two other punters on the 90-man (actually 91-man) roster.
Cleveland’s defense took a step back last year when Collins went down with an injury. His return could be key this season, but how much does the 31-year-old have left?
Having both of last year’s starting safeties set to hit free agency could lead to an interesting decision for Berry as the season goes on. Does rookie Emmanuel McNeil-Warren show enough to solidify a starting spot quickly? Will the recent big contract for Derwin James lead to Delpit pricing himself off the Browns in the future? How does Hickman fit the new defensive system?
A lot of good to look forward to for the Browns, but a few key free agent decisions linger. Perhaps Berry is able to pull off an in-season extension or two.
Who on the above list is a “must have” re-signing/extension candidate? Who do you think should be easily replaceable?
Share your 2027 Browns free agent thoughts in the comment section below
