Bleacher Report released their consensus grades for NFL teams in free agency and they were not particularly kind to the Cleveland Browns. Considering that two of their most impactful additions have come via trade this is hardly surprising (Deshaun Watson, Amari Cooper). A trade for Chase Winovich provides some defensive line depth, but again not a free agent signing.
What was the grade?
The Cleveland Browns received a consensus grade of D+ from three NFL writers at Bleacher Report. Cleveland’s free agency activity has been quite minimal as they appear to be waiting out the market. This strategy has been used by Cleveland before, but there were deals on the first day of the tampering period for starters the previous two years. That has not happened this year.
The flashiest signings the Browns have made have been for a backup quarterback in Jacoby Brissett and return specialist Jakeem Grant. Cleveland also brought in Taven Bryan, a defensive tackle selected in the first round by Jacksonville in 2018. Ethan Pocic was signed to provide an insurance plan at center should Nick Harris not work out.
Cleveland did also re-sign two of their own pending free agents in Chris Hubbard and Anthony Walker Jr. While not exciting, this does provide continuity on both sides of the ball. The Browns are also linked to bringing back Jarvis Landry and Jadeveon Clowney. Odell Beckham Jr. has also kept the door open for a potential Browns return. Should Cleveland bring back some or all of these former Browns it would most likely result in a better grade.
The Baker Mayfield situation more than likely playing a factor. Mayfield currently carries a cap hit just under $19 million and a trade would take that off the books. Until that money gets cleared there is about $21 million in cap space currently. Add in the post-June 1st cut gain of $9.5 million from releasing Austin Hooper it provides a lot more wiggle room for the Browns and it appears that is what the team is waiting on to add multiple large salaries to their roster.