Cleveland Browns Ready to See $45.7 Million Talent Hit NFL Free Agency
The Cleveland Browns lost 45-14 to the Houston Texans in the first round of the 2023 NFL playoffs, despite finishing 11-6 during the regular season and earning the No. 5 seed in the AFC.
The Browns are now in for a fascinating summer, as executive vice president of football operations and general manager Andrew Berry faces salary-cap difficulties and a long list of unrestricted free agents.
Over the Cap reports a list of 26 players who contributed significantly to Cleveland’s success in the past year.
The most recognized name is quarterback Joe Flacco, who led Cleveland to four important victories in the final stretch. Flacco is unlikely to return as the Browns are already set under center with Deshaun Watson’s guaranteed contract. In addition, Flacco may be given the opportunity to start somewhere else.
Some prominent players are defensive end Za’Darius Smith, linebackers Anthony Walker Jr. and Sione Takitaki, tight end Harrison Bryant, safety Rodney McLeod, offensive tackle Geron Christian, punter Corey Bojorquez, and running back Kareem Hunt.
The Browns Have 26 Pending Free Agents Heading Into the 2024 NFL Offseason
As previously stated, the Browns have 26 players that will be available this summer. While many argue retaining both stars and role players, the fact remains that Berry will have to let some of them go due to Cleveland’s financial situation.
But first, here’s the complete list of the Browns’ pending free agents.
| 2024 Cleveland Browns Free Agents | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Player | Position | Type | Current APY |
| Za’Darius Smith | EDGE | Void | $11,677,000 |
| Shelby Harris | IDL | UFA | $3,500,000 |
| Sione Takitaki | LB | UFA | $2,582,500 |
| Joe Flacco | QB | UFA | $2,200,000 |
| Harrison Bryant | TE | UFA | $1,750,000 |
| Marquise Goodwin | WR | UFA | $1,700,000 |
| Jordan Elliott | IDL | UFA | $1,700,000 |
| Corey Bojorquez | P | UFA | $1,690,000 |
| Jakeem Grant | WR | Void | $1,512,500 |
| Mike Ford | CB | UFA | $1,500,000 |
| Kareem Hunt | RB | UFA | $1,350,000 |
| Rodney McLeod | S | UFA | $1,317,500 |
| Matthew Adams | LB | UFA | $1,232,500 |
| Jordan Kunaszyk | LB | UFA | $1,232,500 |
| Anthony Walker Jr. | LB | UFA | $1,232,500 |
| Duron Harmon | S | UFA | $1,165,000 |
| Jeff Driskel | QB | UFA | $1,140,000 |
| Jacob Phillips | LB | UFA | $1,086,078 |
| Geron Christian | LT | UFA | $1,080,000 |
| Maurice Hurst | IDL | UFA | $1,080,000 |
| James Proche | WR | UFA | $1,010,000 |
| Michael Dunn | LG | UFA | $1,010,000 |
| P.J. Walker | QB | UFA | $1,010,000 |
| Nick Harris | C | UFA | $902,412 |
| Sam Kamara | IDL | ERFA | $870,000 |
| Ty Nsekhe | LT | SFA | $438,444 |
For those scoring at home, that’s $45,736,434 in Cleveland Browns talent poised for free agency.
The Browns Are Projected to Be $13.86 Million Over the Salary Cap
Even with the 26 names above off the books, the Browns face some financial difficulties coming into this offseason, as Spotrac predicts they are $13.866 million above the salary cap.
The biggest issue is the $63.977 million cap cost for Deshaun Watson, the largest in NFL history, according to The Athletic. Cleveland’s roster includes several high-paid players, including Amari Cooper, Denzel Ward, and Myles Garrett, all of whom are expected to earn over $20 million in 2024.
Berry has already modified Watson’s contract and is set to do so again this year to clear up space. The exact amount of space is obviously unknown, but even if Watson’s contract hit is reduced, the Browns will still have some challenges in free agency, whether it’s maintaining some of the players listed above or bringing in fresh talent.
Additionally, there may be cap casualties, including running back Nick Chubb. The four-time Pro Bowler, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2, is owed $15.825 million in 2024 but only has a $4 million dead cap charge, meaning the Browns may save more than $11 million by cutting him.
Elijah Moore, a wide receiver, and Dustin Hopkins, a kicker, could also be let go.
Buckle up, Browns supporters. It will undoubtedly be a chaotic offseason.
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