4 sneaky good NFL free agents Browns need to sign

admin | February 20, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

With the NFL offseason started, the Cleveland Browns are well-positioned to take advantage of the opportunities given by free agency.

After a promising 2023 season in which they finished 11-6 and made the Wild Card playoffs, the Browns are keen to improve their team. This essay will look at four overlooked free agents whose skills complement the Browns’ needs. Signing them might help the Browns make a deeper postseason run in 2024.

The Browns’ 2023 Season

The Cleveland Browns began the 2023 season as a borderline playoff candidate. However, they experienced various challenges. These featured injuries to major players such as Nick Chubb, Deshaun Watson, Jack Conklin, Jedrick Wills, and Dawand Jones. Nonetheless, the Browns persevered, earning a postseason berth with quarterback Joe Flacco at the helm.

Their trip to the postseason was distinguished by tenacity and commitment. They overcome hardship to make the playoffs. Despite a sad playoff departure after a 45-14 loss to the Houston Texans, head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry are now tasked with improving the roster. With multiple positional needs to address, the Browns are in for a critical offseason.

Other Considerations

The Browns are expected to make wise decisions in the free agent market. That’s due to their minimal salary cap room and modest roster requirements. Because the majority of famous free agents are on the defensive side, the Browns may look for low-cost veteran options to improve their roster.

Yes, Joe Flacco and Kareem Hunt are among the likely departures. However, with Deshaun Watson and a potentially revived Nick Chubb, the Browns are in a strong position. Of course, Chubb might also go. Despite budgetary limits, the Browns may look into free agency and the impending 2024 NFL Draft to remedy team problems.

Here we’ll look at four sneaky good NFL free agents that the Cleveland Browns should sign during the 2024 offseason.

Drue Tranquill, LB

In terms of prospective signings, Drue Tranquill stands out as a top candidate for the Browns. He isn’t expected to command a large salary, and his time with playoff-caliber clubs has provided him with vital knowledge.

After four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, Tranquill signed a one-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. During his time with the Chiefs, he nearly matched his career high in sacks and recorded 78 tackles. Tranquill also had an amazing 148 tackles last season with the Chargers. The Browns might benefit from adding a defensive weapon capable of creating pressure on rival quarterbacks while being dependable in tackles.

Given the Browns’ financial limits, pursuing high-profile free agents is improbable. As a result, they must navigate the second and third tiers of free agency to strengthen specific positions and increase their defensive depth.

If Nick Chubb leaves, Jerick McKinnon might serve as a valuable addition to Cleveland’s running game. Sure, Jerome Ford has done well as a starter. However, his skill set may be more appropriate for a committee function rather than a full-time employment.

McKinnon excelled with the Chiefs in 2022, but his touches and efficiency dropped in 2023. Despite a drop in rushing yards and receptions, his versatility is still an advantage that might help the Browns’ offensive plan.

Josh Reynolds, WR

Josh Reynolds is an intriguing fit for the Browns’ offensive plan. Remember, the Browns need a clear No. 2 wide receiver to grow with Amari Cooper. Yes, Elijah Moore and others have shown promise. However, we cannot underestimate Reynolds’ potential as a complementary option. Reynolds has 608 receiving yards this season and eight touchdowns over the last two seasons, making him an ideal complement to Cooper.

Of course, potential impediments such as loyalty to his former squad or higher market worth as a result of outstanding achievements could complicate his purchases

Mike Onwenu, OL

While Jedrick Wills’ performance at left tackle was disappointing, we don’t see many viable alternatives in this year’s market. Mike Onwenu, on the other hand, stands out as a promising future.

Onwenu was a steal in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL draft. Throughout his career, he has displayed versatility along the offensive line. He excelled at right tackle and both guard positions. His tenacity in the run game and pass protection skills make him an invaluable asset. During the 2023 season with the Patriots, Onwenu had a top-20 pressure rate among all tackles.

Looking Ahead

The Cleveland Browns’ pursuit of smart free agent acquisitions in 2024 is critical. To reinforce their roster for long-term success, the Browns must thoroughly evaluate the available talent pool and make sound judgments. Potential additions of Drue Tranquill, Jerick McKinnon, Josh Reynolds, and Mike Onwenu present promising opportunities. These players can solve critical needs while increasing the team’s potential for the upcoming season. As the offseason progresses and the Browns continue to construct their roster, everyone’s joint efforts will eventually determine whether they can return to the playoffs and move further.