Browns 2024 Offseason: 5 Biggest Positions Of Need
As Browns VP of Football Operations Andrew Berry asserted at his end of season press conference several weeks back, change is the only constant in the NFL.
There's really no such thing as "running it back" with the exact same roster in this sport. Berry has to juggle an expensive roster in the salary cap era, while continuing to find players who help the team improve upon their postseason appearance this past season, but who are also a good fit for the team's culture.
With the new league year and therefor the start of free agency set to open up in a little over a month, here are the Browns biggest offseason needs:
1) Wide Receiver
The Elijah Moore experiment didn't quite meet expectations this past season. There's still a chance he breaks out the way Cleveland hopes, especially after trading a second round pick for his services, but the Browns need another reliable weapon in the passing game to try and restore Deshaun Watson back into an elite QB.
Not only thst but top wideout, Amari Cooper is entering his age 30 season. He won't be putting up 1,000-yard season forever. So with an eye on the future adding a player who can take over that mantle one day would be a smart move.
Best way to address it: Free Agency or Trade
2) Defensive Line
It's basically a necessity to rotate defensive lineman in the NFL today. Jim Schwartz scheme is no different there and he's always had a stockpile of defensive lineman at his disposal no matter where he's coached.
The Browns also saw first hand the value of having star pass rusher Myles Garrett paired with the right rotation of defensive lineman playing alongside him. Za'Darius Smith, Maurice Hurst, Shelby Harris and Jordan Elliott are all set to be free agents this offseason. Expect Berry to explore bringing some of that group but also looking elsewhere to rebuild the d-line for next season.
Best way to address it: Free Agency or Trade
3) Linebacker
Both Anthony Walker Jr. and Sionne Takitaki are set to become free agents this offseason, leaving a pretty massive void to fill in the middle of the defense. On one hand, it may be wise to retain at least one of those two simply because of fit with the locker room and knowledge of Schwartz's scheme. Neither should be overly expensive to bring back if Berry chooses to go that route.
On the other hand, there are some intriguing options out there on the open market, such as Willie Gay Jr. of the Chiefs for Cleveland to consider. Either way, it's a position the Browns need to address.
Best way to address it: Free Agency and Draft
4) Offensive Line
If the great injury epidemic of 2023 that seemed to curse the Browns locker room taught the organization anything, it's that you can never have too much offensive line depth. Aside from Jedrick Wills, who is still trying to realize his first-round pick potential, Berry has done a pretty masterful job identifying and adding reliable depth players across the offensive line.
Now some of that likely had to do with the presence of offensive line coach Bill Callahan who is off to join his son in Tennessee. The Browns will need to find the right coach to replace a legend but in the meantime, it's probably a smart idea for Berry to potentially draft an offensive lineman to keep that room stocked next season.
Best way to address it: Draft
5) Running Back
This may not seem all that pressing with Berry making it seem pretty apparent that they'll be retaining Nick Chubb this offseason. That said, Chubb is coming off of a second serious injury to his left knee and while nobody wants to bet against Chubb of all all people returning to form, you just never know.
Not only that, but with Chubb out this past season, the Browns seemed to learn that they could use some more depth in the running back room. Don't be surprised if Berry looks to the draft for a running back.
Best way to address it: Draft
