The Cleveland Browns have made some additions to their roster, but what areas still need to be addressed?
It was a solid start to free agency for the Cleveland Browns. Agreeing to terms with players who may not be particularly flashy, but can play important roles for the team. Adding Dalvin Tomlinson, Juan Thornhill, and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo shows that team is attempting to improve their defense. Following these moves it was time for some bargain hunting as they signed Maurice Hurst and Trysten Hill. Cleveland even agreed to terms with former Texan Jordan Akins to round out their tight end room. After all that what needs do the Browns still have?
Defensive tackle
Bringing in Tomlinson to improve the defensive interior was a good start, but the job is not done. Hurst has not played in a meaningful capacity in four years. Jordan Elliott has not been able to produce enough to warrant a starting spot and the less said about the rest of the group the better (Tommy Togiai, Perrion Winfrey).
Defensive end
It is a big time gamble signing a player who really only has a half-season of production to his name in Okoronkwo to a multi-year deal. Perhaps Okoronkwo is able to build upon last season, but the Browns should safeguard themselves in case a player with a career-high of 44% snaps played does not work out. Adding another pass rusher to create a timeshare opposite Myles Garrett would be the best path forward to get the most out of both players.
Linebacker
The Browns found themselves dealing with a lot of injuries last year which saw the team bringing in Reggie Ragland out of desperation. The team has re-signed Sione Takitaki to a one-year deal and there is still a chance Anthony Walker returns. Takitaki is working his way back from a major injury and until another linebacker is added to the equation this is still an area that needs to be addressed.
Wide receiver
This is not about Amari Cooper, it is about everyone else. Donovan Peoples-Jones had a nice 2022 season, but has more than likely reached his ceiling in terms of output. David Bell is still a relative unknown who is similar to Peoples-Jones when it comes to not being particularly fast or great at creating separation. Jakeem Grant is basically a return man with occasional contribution on offense. As far as Anthony Schwartz goes, why is he still here? Cleveland needs to add someone to bump Peoples-Jones into the third receiver spot he rightfully belongs in and take some pressure off of Cooper.
Backup quarterback
Jacoby Brissett has signed with the Commanders and now the team needs a backup for Deshaun Watson. Kellen Mond is under contract, but should not be a serious consideration for anything more than a practice squad body.
