This is The Gridiron Review’s Cleveland Browns 2023 Offseason Team Breakdown. We provide you with all things you need to know about the Browns heading into FA and the draft. We also provide our thoughts on the needs of the team and how we think they can be addressed!
Cleveland Browns 2022 Record: 7-10
Cleveland Browns Salary Cap(According to Spotrac): -$14,338,417
Notable Free Agents(According to Spotrac):
- Jacoby Brissett, QB
- Kareem Hunt, RB
- D’Ernest Johnson, RB
- Ethan Pocic, C
- Taven Bryan, DL
- Chase Winovich, DE/EDGE
- Jadeveon Clowney, DE/EDGE
- Deion Jones, LB
- Anthony Walker Jr., LB
- Sione Takitaki, LB
- Greedy Williams, CB
- Ronnie Harrison, S
Team Needs: RB(Complete the room), WR, DL, LB, DB(Depth)
3 Free Agent Targets(In No Order):
- Jerick McKinnon, RB
- Jakobi Meyers, WR
- Dre’Mont Jones, DL
Cleveland Browns First Round Pick(s): None (Traded to the Texans)
3 Draft Prospect Fits/Targets:
- Kenny McIntosh, RB, Georgia
- Josh Downs, WR, UNC
- Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
Our Browns Ideal Offseason Plans/Thoughts:
- The Browns roster is really good. They are definitely a playoff caliber team. They sold their future for a very controversial QB; time will tell if that will be worth it. With the exception of being over the cap, the Browns are in a good position to improve the roster and compete with the AFC power houses.
- The Browns will more than likely be losing half of their RB room. Hunt has been half of the best RB duo in the league, and D’Ernest Johnson is one of the best RB3s in all the NFL. Both set to be free agents. The Browns have one of the best bell cow RBs in Nick Chubb, so it’s hard to imagine they throw money at their FA RBs. They drafted Jerome Ford last year who should find some sort of role this season. It’s hard to imagine McKinnon leaves Kansas City, but if he does this could be a great landing spot for him. If they decide to go the draft route again, it could be Georgia’s Kenny McIntosh.
- The Browns WR room is fairly interesting. They have Amari Cooper who had yet another 1,000 yard receiving season. They also have DPJ who had himself a bit of a breakout season this year, as well as former rookie David Bell. We did like Bell when he came out last year, but he didn’t have much of an impact in year one. It’s definitely possible he could make a jump, but it’s just as possible the Browns look for a new slot option. If they do, Jakobi Meyers would be really solid, who’s production should sky rocket from no longer having to be the WR1. However, with the cap problems, Meyers may not be realistic. If they do not land Meyers, look for them to go WR in the second round and Josh Downs could become the guy.
- The Browns will be losing two starters on the defensive line in Clowney and Bryan. It’s hard to imagine Bryan will ask for crazy money, so it’s possible he gets re-signed. We do not see Clowney coming back. He’s just not producing the way they would hope, and they have a couple young guys who could compete for the job like 3rd rounder Alex Wright. If the Browns are going to spend big on someone this offseason look for Dre’Mont Jones to be that guy. Jones can play tackle and end and should make more of an impact than anyone they are losing.
- The Browns linebacker room got absolutely decimated by injury this year. Almost every single one of their linebackers got hurt this season. Anthony Walker Jr., Deion Jones, and Sione Takitaki are all set to become FAs. The Browns should prioritize bringing their guys back because, when healthy, they have a really strong group of backers. If they are unable to retain their guys, look for Iowa’s Jack Campbell to be an option on day 2 for the Browns.
- The Browns starting secondary(when healthy) is extremely strong. However, their DB room is another one that hasn’t been able to stay healthy the last couple seasons. Look for the Browns to add depth to both the CB and S rooms.