In the middle of the offseason, teams are still in the first stages of building and examining their 90-man rosters before beginning the process of whittling them down. As most of us know, there is no better way to narrow this process than by bringing in healthy competition, especially at your more depth-needy positions.
There is always room for improvement, and while the Cleveland Browns have plenty of talent at their skill positions, it’s still worth the time to evaluate the roster and any possibilities to provide depth and competition through free agency. Of course, not all considerations should be saved for depth alone as our first possible free agent target is anything but:
Target 1: WR Deandre Hopkins
Former Cardinals WR Deandre Hopkins (10) – Harry How/Getty Images
Since leaving Arizona, Hopkins has been the hottest free-agent prospect in the sport. Of course, his services are likely to come with a hefty price tag, especially if he is to join a team that may not be a walk-in SB contender. The Browns currently have just a little north of $7 million left in cap space, so it could take a little finagling to bring him here, but it could absolutely be worth it, considering that their QB has some pretty well-documented familiarity with the wideout.
D-Hop’s best year to date came in 2018, when he secured 115 catches for 1,572 yards while playing with Watson in Houston. It is reasonable to believe that their chemistry could continue on the shores of Lake Erie should the duo be reunited. Although the cost to acquire Hopkins will likely be too steep for Cleveland, it’s worth noting how well he could fit into OC Alex Van Pelt’s scheme alongside Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones.
Target 2: RB Ezekiel Elliott
Former Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott (21) – Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Other than Nick Chubb, who is clearly and obviously not going anywhere, the Browns have an additional five Running Backs currently rostered:
- Demetric Felton Jr. (25)
- Jerome Ford (34)
- John Kelly Jr. (41)
- Nate McCrary (47)
- Hassan Hall (Rookie)
Nationwide analysts had this position pegged as one of the main spots for the Browns to address during the 2023 Draft, which, as we know, did not happen. Of course, they added Hassan Hall as a UDFA; however, could there be room to add a more proven and dynamic threat to complement Chubb in free agency? Is it needed? Seeing as how the depth here has the combined experience of 49 carries in the NFL, I think so.
With a career of 1,881 carries in the NFL, Zeke is one of the more highly regarded free agents left at the position, with 8,262 yards and 68 touchdowns on his resume. Still relatively young at almost 28 years old, we all know that running backs age a little faster due to the nature of their role on the field, especially when that back has been a workhorse for multiple seasons. Nevertheless, it’s difficult to think that the once highest-paid running back in the league has no gas left in the tank, despite his dip in production over the last couple of seasons.
As a much more proven back than Ford or Felton Jr., I feel like Elliott could be the solid second punch behind Chubb that the position needs. It makes sense for the Browns to sign him to at least a one-year deal, that is, if he’s willing.
Target 3: LB Kwon Alexander
Former Jets LB Kwon Alexander (9) – Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
This is easily the neediest position for the Browns, and the team still has some time to target a linebacker in free agency. The group did not use a draft pick to address the position, and a need for depth, particularly at strongside linebacker (SLB), is apparent. Currently, the Browns have no notable names at any of the linebacker positions other than Anthony Walker Jr. and Denzel Ward.
Kwon Alexander is a promising target as he spent much of his time with the Jets last year playing the Sam Linebacker role. His price tag should not be too steep for Cleveland as I could see a one-year $1.5 million deal or the like getting done with ease. As a vet who has been around the league, Alexander understands the position, racking up 413 solo tackles, 12.5 sacks, 11 forced fumbles, eight interceptions, and a TD throughout his career thus far.
All Set!
Considering how the Browns have been and where they want to go, I see a move for any of the aforementioned targets as a step in the right direction for the franchise. Of course, only time will show how much Andrew Berry is willing to spend, albeit the dawg pound should be barking for any of these potential moves.
