The Cleveland Browns are entering the season with high expectations. After last season was filled with constant injuries, the Browns are hoping things take a turn for the better this year.
The Browns are getting to business with rookies reporting to the facility on July 22 for training camp. Veterans join them on July 23 and they will begin preparing for the 2024 season.
Before getting to the facility, the Browns decided to extend kicker Dustin Hopkins.
With one key player extended, we'll discuss three more guys Cleveland should extend before the season gets rolling in September.
1. Amari Cooper, WR
This one isn't a surprise or shocking to anyone. Cooper decided to skip mandatory minicamp as he seeks a new contract.
Last month, it was reported that Cleveland was hesitant to give him a multi-year extension. We're not sure if that was true but one thing that's clear is the Browns need to pay their No. 1 WR.
Cooper is a crisp route runner who can win on all three levels on the field. The Alabama product knows how to create separation and get open for the quarterback.
Since coming over to Cleveland in 2022, Cooper has compiled 150 receptions for 2,410 yards and 14 scores. He's gone over 1,000 yards in both seasons.
The Browns need to take care of their best pass-catcher before he becomes a free agent in March. This would be the best time to take care of business. Rewarding your star receiver before the season starts will get the best out of him while locking him down for the foreseeable future.
2. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is entering his fourth season in the NFL. Since stepping foot in the league, he's been an athletic and instinctive force in the middle of the field. He was a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and has been worth the high draft selection.
The 24-year-old has great closing speed in open space and has the ability to be effective in pass coverage. Over 33 starts in three seasons, the Notre Dame product has recorded 247 total tackles, 30 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles, and five sacks.
He goes into this season on the final year of his rookie deal so this would be an ideal time to extend him. JOK has displayed he's able to be a forceful presence and would be a wise investment to make for Cleveland.
3. Greg Newsome II, CB
The Browns have a tremendous cornerback trio in Denzel Ward, Martin Emerson Jr., and Greg Newsome II.
There were rumors this offseason that Cleveland was taking calls on Newsome II but they didn't pull the trigger.
They did pick up his fifth-year option so he's on the books for the 2025 campaign but they should look to lock him down beyond that. The Northwestern product can play both inside and outside with consistency.
He's reliable in both man and zone coverage while being a willing tackler. Across three seasons, Newsome II recorded 128 total tackles, 29 pass deflections, and two picks. Last season, he finished with a career-high 74.6 coverage grade per PFF.
Keeping members of this stifling defense together would be a smart choice for Cleveland.
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