Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are part of a totally overhauled Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback room.
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.
(First in a series.)
Although the Browns didn’t make a huge splash in the transaction season, they were active.
They had to be because they have only five selections in the April 25-27 draft; none in the first round. Only the Chicago Bears have fewer picks – four.
In a three-part series, we’ll examine what the Browns have done vs. their opponents on the 2024 schedule.
We’ll start with their division opponents and follow with remaining opponents at home and then on the road.
Here is what the Browns have done.
Cleveland Browns
Key players added: WR Jerry Jeudy (trade), QB Jameis Winston, QB Tyler Huntley, OT Hakeem Adeniji, DT Quinton Jefferson, LB Jorden Hicks, LB Devin Bush, TE Giovanni Ricci, CB Tony Brown, RB D’Onta Foreman, RB/RS Nyheim Hines, PK Cade York.
Re-signed: DE Za’Darius Smith, DT Maurice Hurst, DT Shelby Harris, OL Michael Dunn, WR James Proche, P Corey Bojorquez, S Rodney McLeod.
Key players lost: QB Joe Flacco, DT Jordan Elliott, LB Anthony Walker, LB Sione Takitaki, CB Mike Ford, TE Harrison Bryant,
Five draft picks: Nos. 54, 85, 156, 206, 243.
Analysis: GM Andrew Berry has filled holes with veterans and now can be flexible with the few draft picks he has. If he uses his top pick – and doesn’t trade it for the first time in three years – his top-rated player could be a wide receiver.
Now, on to their rivals in the AFC North division.
Baltimore Ravens
Key players added: RB Derrick Henry, OT Josh Jones, S Ar’Darius Washington.
Re-signed: DT Justin Madubuike, QB Josh Johnson, CB Arthur Maulet.
Key players lost: DE Jadeveon Clowney, QB Tyler Huntley, LB Patrick Queen, RB Gus Edwards, S Geno Stone, WR Odell Beckham Jr., OT Morgan Moses (trade), OG John Simpson.
Nine draft picks: Nos. 30, 62, 93, 113, 130, 165, 218, 228, 250.
Analysis: Losing three key starters on defense and three top defensive coaches might be devastating to some teams. But the Ravens are so good at identifying players in the draft that fit their defensive system, and at replacing assistant coaches. Their bigger challenge might be replacing three starters on the offensive line.
Cincinnati Bengals
Key players added: TE Mike Gesicki, OT Trent Brown, DT Sheldon Rankins, S Geno Stone, RB Zack Moss, S Vonn Bell.
Re-signed: TE Tanner Hudson, WR Trent Irwin, TE Drew Sample, OL Cody Ford.
Key players lost: RB Joe Mixon (trade), DT D.J. Reader, OT Jonah Williams, WR Tyler Boyd.
Ten draft picks: Nos. 18, 49, 80, 97, 115, 149, 194, 214, 224, 237.
Analysis: A healthy season for QB Joe Burrow would trump any players added. The Bengals, however, did a good job of refortifying the safety position, which was a weakness last year after suffering defections. Raiding Stone from the Ravens and bringing back Bell were important moves. Now they have a division-high 10 draft picks, including four in the top 100, to add depth.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Key players added: QB Russell Wilson, QB Justin Fields (trade), QB Kyle Allen, DB DeShon Elliott, LB Patrick Queen, RB Cordarrelle Patterson, CB Donte Jackson, WR Quez Watkins, P Cameron Johnston.
Key players lost: QB Mitchell Trubisky, QB Kenny Pickett (trade), QB Mason Rudolph, WR Diontae Johnson (trade), CB Patrick Peterson, C Mason Cole, OL Chukwuma Okorafor, S Keanu Neal, WR Allen Robinson, P Pressley Harvin.
Seven draft picks: Nos. 20, 51, 84, 98, 119, 178, 195.
Analysis: Second-year GM Omar Kahn addressed his team’s biggest weaknesses – quarterback and inside linebacker – with dramatic moves. He cleaned house at quarterback with three new ones, including high-profilers Wilson and Fields, and then plundered Queen from the Ravens. Like the Bengals, the Steelers have four picks in the top 100 and look poised to use their first pick on an offensive lineman.
(Next: Browns 2024 home opponents.)