With the NFL Draft now complete, the Cleveland Browns are once again focusing on the roster through free agency, possibly some potential trades. For the Browns, that means Jarvis Landry, Jadeveon Clowney, Baker Mayfield and players like Akiem Hicks.
The Browns and in particular general manager Andrew Berry seem comfortable with the Baker Mayfield situation, ready to play the long game, although everyone is hoping for an immediate resolution. Day to day, he’s out of sight and out of the team’s mind, despite the fact that it’s something that needs to be done.
Even though it looked like the Browns were trying to fabricate a deal because everyone knew about trade talks with the Carolina Panthers, the way the draft went at quarterback with an all-time low amount of capital spent on the position made it unlikely a deal would be completed over the weekend.
As with some of the decisions the Browns will make, teams may want to see what they have in rookie minicamp before returning to the negotiating table regarding Mayfield.
![Cleveland Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) celebrates with Cleveland Browns center linebacker Anthony Walker (4) after sacking Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during the first half of a NFL football game at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, October 17, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio. [Jeff Lange/Beacon Journal] Browns 3](https://i0.wp.com/www.si.com/.image/c_limit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_700/MTg1NzE4Mzc0NTYxNDkwMzI0/usatsi_16977478_168388069_lowres.jpg?resize=735%2C502&ssl=1)
Like the defensive end, the Browns just don’t have enough on the defensive interior right now, especially when it comes to 2-spread hooves that can stop the run on early downs. This would allow the combination of Taven Bryan and Winfrey to focus on using their athleticism to attack the quarterback.
Akiem Hicks is the best option still available in the free agent market. Injuries have diminished him two of the last three years, but he is still effective in this role with the potential to dominate. It also likely comes with a hefty price tag, at around $8 million for one year. The Browns might prefer not to pay as much for this position, but they can make an exception given the status of this group. They want to get to a point where they can have players to fill that role on cheaper rookie deals or veteran deals, allowing them to put more money into positions they deem more important.
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They are not there yet.
There is more evidence that they should sign two free agent options than there is reason to believe that the combination of Jordan Elliott and Tommy Togiai will be ready to take on those roles.
Eddie Goldman and Zach Kerr are among the other options available that should also be cheaper, but probably won’t be as effective. Perhaps there will be a cut after June 1 that the Browns could target as well.
But as with Clowney, the rubber may not meet the road until June with one of those players. Hicks probably has no interest in anything mandatory until training camp because the wear and tear on his body just isn’t worth it. The Browns will likely want to take a look at Logan and Perry in rookie camp before moving on with other veteran options, even if that just delays the inevitable. They might make a deal with one of these guys to see them for veteran minicamp before summer break.
If the Browns could reunite with Garrett, Clowney and Hicks in the starting lineup in September, it would give the Browns a talented front line and enhance the depth potential they’ve gathered. If Hicks can have a productive season, it could put Bryan and Winfrey in the best possible position to make an impact.
The fact that the NFL Draft is over and there are deals in the works might make it seem like the Browns should be moving at a faster pace, but the Browns are largely operating at player pace.
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