BEREA, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns were among the league’s biggest disappointments this past season. Despite boasting a loaded roster on both sides of the ball, Cleveland finished 8-9 and failed to go back to the playoffs after a breakout 2020 campaign.
The passing game fell off a cliff after quarterback Baker Mayfield suffered a torn labrum in his non-throwing left shoulder in Week 2. Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. then essentially forced his way out in midseason, with his father posting a video and comments on social media that trashed Mayfield. While the defense was much improved, it was also inconsistent.
The Browns ultimately cratered down the stretch, losing three straight before winning a meaningless game against Cincinnati in the season finale with the Bengals starters resting.
Cleveland still has an enviable young roster. But the Browns have some big decisions to make, beginning with quarterback.
Projected salary-cap space: $27.32 million
Top free agents: DE Jadeveon Clowney, DT Malik Jackson, LB Anthony Walker, TE David Njoku, WR Rashard Higgins, RB D'Ernest Johnson
Potential cut candidates: Two guys to watch are WR Jarvis Landry and C JC Tretter. Landry has an upcoming cap hit of $16.6 million, but no guaranteed money left, creating an opportunity for the Browns to move on. Last season, he finished with just 52 catches, 570 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns, and didn’t do a single interview through the team after Beckham was released. He might be ready for a change. Tretter is a reliable stalwart on the inside of the offensive line, but, like Landry, has no guaranteed money left on his deal, to go with a $9.9 million cap hit. Plus, the Browns drafted his eventual replacement in Nick Harris, who will be entering his third season.
The big question: Do the Browns move forward with Mayfield at quarterback, or do they swing a deal for another big-name passer? Mayfield struggled last season after suffering the shoulder tear. He finished 27th in the league in QBR, and was a shell of himself by the end of the season, especially in a dismal showing in his final game, taking nine sacks while throwing two picks in a listless Monday Night Football loss in Pittsburgh. The Browns have to decide how much they think the injury hampered Mayfield, and in turn, whether they believe he can bounce back after offseason shoulder surgery. In 2020, Mayfield helped the Browns to their first playoff victory in 26 years after finishing 10th in QBR. Given he’s under contract for one more year at a reasonable number (almost $19 million), it seems probable he’ll be back. Still, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Browns kicked the tires on the viability of trade for the likes of Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson or even Kirk Cousins.
Best-case offseason scenario: The Browns land Rodgers or Wilson without having to trade away any of their current young stars, notably pass-rusher Myles Garrett, cornerback Denzel Ward or running back Nick Chubb. And they supply that quarterback with a proven player at wide receiver via another trade or through free agency.
Worst-case offseason scenario: The Browns don’t re-sign Clowney to solidify their pass rush opposite Garrett, then fail to get Mayfield any notable help offensively at wide receiver through either the draft and free agency.
Early look at the NFL draft, from ESPN analyst Jordan Reid: Finding a starting-caliber wide receiver is essential for the Browns as they try to set up Mayfield with as many weapons as possible. Building up the defensive line is another area that Berry could look to attack. In a deep edge rusher class, finding a long-term pairing opposite Myles Garrett is a possibility.
Top needs: WR, IDL, EDGE
Top pick: No. 13