Browns: 5 free agents Cleveland must target in 2021 offseason

Five free agents the Cleveland Browns must considering signing for 2021.

Free agency won’t commence until march, but it’s never too early to see who fits with the Cleveland Browns in 2021, as the team hopefully takes the next step in their efforts to win the franchise’s first Super Bowl title.

The first thing to know about free agency in mid-January is that nobody knows what the salary cap will be in 2021. In 2020, the cap was $198.2 million, an increase of $10 million from 2019.

That’s obviously a huge chunk of money, as that kind of cash could go a long way to adding an impact player with money crammed into the early part of a contract.

Additionally, the Browns will have see where they stand come March, as the team has their own business to sort out. It’s a foreign territory for Browns fans, because usually, the team is void of players that are good enough to warrant big contract extensions.

The Browns should have around $24 million to spend, which is enough to put them among the top third of the league.

I do expect the Browns to look at extending Mayfield, who was playing the best football of his career by the end of 2020. He won’t get the $500 million Patrick Mahomes got, but $150 to $200 million may be in the ballpark.

After Mayfield is locked up, the Browns will then be able to prioritize their financial situation. Nick Chubb is in the final year of his contract, while Denzel Ward, will be looking for a new deal as well.

Just because there’s financial uncertainty, there’s no reason to let money ruin the fun, so here’s a look at five free agents the Browns must consider this offseason.