The Cleveland Browns head into one of the most exciting offseasons since the days of Bernie Kosar as the organization looks to take the next step in becoming one of the AFC’s elite teams.
The Browns have around $24 million to spend on free agents, which isn’t what fans are accustomed to. Usually, the Browns lead the league in cap space.
This is what life is like with a team that has good players, though.
Browns cap situation
The Browns just heavily invested in Myles Garrett, while also doling out big cash to lure free agent Jack Conklin to town last offseason.
With Baker Mayfield, Nick Chubb and Denzel Ward among the players looking for extension, the Browns are well aware of their cap situation.
Unfortunately, all of the holes on the roster can’t be fixed through the draft, even though the Browns have nine picks (Shameless plug for 7-round mock).
Cleveland wil have to spend on some free agents, but Andrew Berry must do so wisely.
Here’s a look at three “cheap” free agents the Browns should sign this offseason.
1. Raekwon McMilllan
Ohio State fans will remember Raekwon McMIllan’s name, and after a forgettable season with the Raiders, McMillian would be a low-cost addition at linebacker in 2021.
McMillan’s career got off to a slow start after being drafted by the Dolphins in the second round of the 2017 draft. He tore his ACL in the preseason and took a year to rehab. When he came back, he played well, appearing in all 16 games and compiling 105 tackles.
He really started to show out in 2019, earning a spot on PFF’s all-quarter team. However, he only played in 13 games and recorded 72 tackles.
Miami cut ties with him last offseason, trading him to Las Vegas, where he became an afterthought on Las Vegas’ defense, starting just four games. With players such as Nick Kwiatkoski and Nicholas Morrow emerging, playing time became scarce for McMillan.
McMillan’s best trait is stopping the run, but he’ll aggravate you with his inability to play well in coverage.
That said, the linebacking corps will need bodies as B.J. Goodson and Malcom Smith hit free agency. With so many other holes to fill on defense (edge, DT, corner), McMillan will add be a cheap way to add depth to the position group.
2. Tyus Bower, LB
The Ravens free-agent linebacker already got some run here in the factory, as he’d be an ideal addition to linebacker room.
Bowser is coming off his best season with Baltimore, but he should still be within the Browns budget. In 2020, Bowser compiled 34 tackles, 2.0 sacks and14 quarterback hits, in addition to picking off three passes (Browns fans will remember one of those from that memorable Monday night game).
The big takeaway with Bowser is the three interceptions, as the Browns really need a linebacker who can drop into coverage.
Keep in mind, Bowser wasn’t a regular starter and those quarterback hits are something he might be able to build on with more playing time.
If I’m Andrew Berry and I’m being realistic about my current cap situation and what I’ll need to do with my early-round picks, signing the affordable Bowser would be one of the first things to get done.
3. Mike Hilton, CB
If you’re going to steal a player from the Ravens, why not hi-jack a corner from the Steelers.
Granted, Hilton posted his lowest coverage grade of the season against the Browns in the Wild Card round, he fulfills a need for the Browns at the nickel corner spot.
PFF contends this hurts Hilton in contract talks because slot corners don’t deserve the credit they deserve. With the NFL billed as a passing league more than ever, though, nickel corners do have incredible value when you really think about it.
And while Hilton wasn’t his best last season, he has a track record and is only 27 years old.
The veteran posted coverage grades (PFF) of at lest 72.0 for three straight seasons. For what it’s worth, he can also play some safety, as he did for the Steelers a lot in 2019.
On paper, the Browns can start Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams back to start on the perimeter next season, but Kevin Johnson and Terrance Mitchell are free agency.
The organization has to be cautious about how it throws around money until they extend Baker Mayfield, and Hilton fits the bill.