The Cleveland Browns never fail to find new ways to upset their fans. After a massively successful season despite a constant stream of injuries, the expectations for the Browns had skyrocketed heading into this postseason.
Even though they were favored against the young and inexperienced Houston Texans, they suffered one of the worst losses in franchise history. There is plenty of blame to go around following the disappointing end, but it shouldn’t take away from this season’s successes.
There are plenty of reasons to be hopeful for the Browns’ 2024 season, too. However, in order to achieve the success they desire, they will need to make some moves in the offseason. This will require making some hard decisions and parting ways with certain key players.
Here is who they should consider moving on from.
Greg Newsome
Just like the entire Browns defense, Newsome was a major disappointment against the Texans. He was regularly targeted by the Houston offense which resulted in some big plays for Nico Collins and Houston’s wide receivers. Newsome failed to step up his game when it mattered the most.
The 23-year-old cornerback has a fully guaranteed contract for 2024. As talented as he is, he hasn’t proven enough to warrant a roster spot, especially with Martin Emerson emerging as the second-best CB on the team.
Cleveland has to make a decision about Newsome’s fifth-year option. It is hard to justify picking that up or extending him when he is the third-best option in his position on the team. Keeping Emerson should be a priority.
This means that trading Newsome should be seriously considered. Cam Mitchell can step up in his stead or the Browns can select another corner in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Jack Conklin
In December 2022, Jack Conklin signed an extension with Cleveland, keeping him around for at least two more years. It was a fair deal at the time for the two-time All-Pro offensive tackle. However, he suffered a devastating ACL and MCL early in the season, putting his future with the Browns in jeopardy.
Conklin has been a consummate professional for Cleveland ever since he joined the team in 2020. After being such a consistent iron man early in his career, Conklin has dealt with a lot of injuries over the past few years. By the time next season starts, he will be a 30-year-old offensive tackle coming back from a very serious injury.
As much as the team obviously missed him, especially in their playoff loss to the Texans, it is hard to justify keeping him around. He would certainly be nice to keep around and the Browns would never cut him, so the only option would be moving him via a trade. If a good offer comes, it is worth considering.
James Hudson
The Browns’ struggles against the Texans were obviously not entirely on James Hudson as the entire team, outside of a few exceptions, underwhelmed on the big stage. Yet, Hudson was arguably the weakest link on the offensive line. He regularly got beat, gave up sacks, and failed to protect his quarterback.
With extensive injuries to the Browns, Hudson had a chance to play himself into a contract. Yet, despite playing a career-high 48% of the snaps this season, he failed to prove himself to be an NFL-caliber tackle. There is certainly a need for more depth considering the age and health concerns of Cleveland’s tackles. But Hudson is not it. Kevin Stefanski needs to find that guy in the draft or free agency.
Harrison Bryant
Bryant was one of the few Browns who made big plays in their disappointing loss to the Houston Texans as he had four receptions for 65 yards. However, he hasn’t shown enough to keep around throughout his four years with the team. He is a very limited tight end without much of an upside.
He is a free agent this upcoming offseason, and it behooves the Browns to move on from him and bring in a younger prospect with a much higher potential. They can target one with one of their picks in the 2024 NFL Draft and try to develop him, something they have failed to do over the last few seasons.
David Njoku has blossomed into one of the better tight ends in the league and he should continue to be one of the primary targets in the offense. He has a few more years in him at this level, but once his time with the Browns is over, the new addition can take over as the leading tight end.
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