What is the state of the Cleveland Browns’ free agents so far?
By Chad Porto
The Cleveland Browns have seen four key players move on to greener pastures
The Cleveland Browns have made some moves so far in free agency. They’ve brought in four defensive linemen so far and a safety. They also made moves in the offseason to re-sign Ethan Pocic to return as their presumed starting center and Sione Takitaki as a presumed starter at linebacker.
The Browns may bring back a few other former players whose contracts have expired, but the team has yet to ink anyone else to other deals. Sadly, the team has lost four players who would’ve been great assets for the 2023 versions of the Browns.
(*Accurate as of 2:00 AM, March 17*)
QB Jacoby Brissett (Commanders)
The biggest loss to the team so far in 2023’s offseason was the loss of backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett. Brissett played very well for the Browns considering they didn’t have the best interior pass-blocking. The team also didn’t have a huge swath of wide receivers to lean on and that was pretty obvious. Brissett, however, persevered. He threw for 2,600 yards, 12 touchdowns, and completed 64% of his passes in relief of suspended offender Deshaun Watson.
Watson may not see any more missed time heading forward unless his current lawsuits expose anything else. The big issue with Watson, however, is his durability. He has a history of knee issues, and whenever you have a running quarterback with bad knees, you want to make sure you have a great backup behind him.
Brissett could’ve been that guy. Instead, he’s off to Washington, where he may have a shot at starting for the Commanders.
DE/OLB Chase Winovich (Texans)
Chase Winovich only played about half the year with the Browns due to an injury, but when he was on the field he was one of the team’s better run-stoppers, something the team is lacking with its current haul of free-agent acquisitions. Keeping Winovich would’ve made the additions of certain free agents look better.
IOL Hjalte Froholdt (Cardinals)
Hjalte Froholdt was a solid interior offensive lineman for the team. A backup for the squad, he would’ve given the team dept at some key positions. Instead, he’s off to the Cardinals where he may contend for a starting job.
DT Taven Bryan (Colts)
Just about every defensive tackle the Browns have signed in 2023 so far is on par, or a bit better/worse than Taven Bryan. So if you were happy with his play in 2022, you’ll love the guys we got to replace him. His loss isn’t huge to the team, and at $4.5 million, his leaving the team was probably for the best.
CB Greedy Williams (Eagles)
The Eagles just picked up Greedy Williams on Thursday, giving them a 6’2 behemoth to provide depth at corner.