The Browns proved to have one of the league’s most comprehensive rosters in 2023, making the playoffs with four different starting quarterbacks. As long as quarterback Deshaun Watson improves next season, the squad should push for the Super Bowl once more.
With that in mind, here are some trades, cuts, and signings Cleveland should consider in the coming months.
TRADE: Move back in the 2024 NFL Draft to earn draft money.
The Browns will not have first- or fourth-round picks in this year’s draft because of the Watson trade with the Houston Texans in 2022. And to make matters worse, they are $19.5 million above the salary cap with 24 upcoming free agents in 2024.
Sometimes quantity is better than quality, and Cleveland should concentrate on filling holes in an already great squad.
Of course, if the team falls in love with a player when it makes its first pick at No. 54 in the second round, it should take him. But if not, trading down to get more draft picks makes a lot of sense.
CUT: Wide receiver Elijah Moore
Moore was acquired by the Browns last offseason in exchange for a second-round pick from the New York Jets. He did, however, reward them with only 59 catches for 640 yards and two touchdowns. The 23-year-old failed to meet expectations yet again, and the squad may contemplate parting ways with him.
Spotrac estimates that Cleveland would save over $2 million by releasing Moore. That’s not a lot of money, but it would help the Browns get out of their financial mess while also allowing former third-round wide receivers Cedric Tillman and David Bell to demonstrate their worth to the organization.
SIGNING: Tier Two Free Agent Wide Receiver
Aside from Amari Cooper (1,250 yards), Cleveland did not have a wide receiver who over 650 yards receiving in 2023. David Njoku, the team’s second-leading receiver after Cooper, accumulated 882 yards. That is why the team should try to locate a more dependable No. 2 wide receiver to complement Cooper.
Because of the Browns’ financial constraints, it seems unlikely that they will sign one of the best wide receivers available in free agency, such as Tee Higgins, Michael Pittman Jr., or Mike Evans. They might, however, seek Marquise Brown or Calvin Ridley, both of whom are significantly less expensive.
Both players have proven to be 1,000-yard receivers and would leave Watson with no excuses in 2024 if coupled with Cooper and Njoku.
Leave a Reply