When Christian Wilkins and Deshaun Watson were teammates at Clemson, the defensive tackle scored a couple TDs on offense, including a pass from Watson.
You must have an active subscription to read this story.
Click Here to subscribe Now!
Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.
It might be a busy weekend for Browns GM Andrew Berry.
Current estimates on the reputable salary cap websites have the Browns barely under the salary cap. Spotrac.com has them at $2.43 million under and Overthecap.com put them at $6.799 million.
The salary cap takes effect at 4 p.m. on Wednesday – the official start of the 2024 NFL business year. But teams can begin negotiating with free agents at 12 noon on Monday.
I assume that Berry has a budget for free-agent spending and that figure is much higher than $6.799 million. So to get there, he will need to create more room by either cutting players or restructuring or converting existing contracts, like he did recently with cornerback Denzel Ward.
I’m betting that there will be no major cuts but a few contract conversions. Obvious candidates include quarterback Deshaun Watson ($63.977 million cap number), wide receiver Amari Cooper ($23.776 million), running back Nick Chubb ($15.825 million), and left tackle Jed Wills ($14.851 million). These players currently own the first-, second-, fourth- and fifth-highest cap numbers on the roster.
In his two press availabilities since the 2023 season ended, Berry sounded uber-confident that cap space would be no problem when it comes time to replenish the roster.
“That’s an area that we’re very confident in, and we view it as a strategic advantage for us and we’ll continue to operate in a way that allows us to maximize the team,” Berry said.
OK, so let’s assume that Berry creates ample cap room by Monday to wave Jimmy Haslam’s checkbook at the new crop of free agents.
What might this free agent season look like for the Browns?
Free agency extends through July 15 and signings come in waves. The big-ticket items usually are gobbled up in the first two days, and then there are lulls as the market resets. There is also the trade market to consider.
I’ll break down a prospective shopping list into different categories. This is a list of options for the Browns – not a “must-sign” list. Not everything on this list will happen immediately, of course.
In fact, after the first wave, patience is the virtue best served in free agency.
Re-sign your own
The Browns have 22 players from last year’s roster eligible for free agency. These are the ones who make the most sense to return.
1. Quarterback Joe Flacco, 39 years old
He won four of six games as the Browns’ fourth starter, drawing swoons from the locker room and fan base. He says he wants to play, not sit, but if there’s no better opportunity to compete for a starting job he would prefer to return as Watson’s backup. What more do the Browns want? If Flacco doesn’t find a better opportunity and the Browns don’t bring him back, good luck in explaining why.
2. Punter Corey Bojorquez, 27
He proved himself two seasons in Cleveland as a reliable cold-weather punter and holder. And he’s left-footed. In special teams circles, this is known as a gem.
3. Linebacker Matthew Adams, 28/Linebacker Sione Takitaki, 28
One, if not both, should return. Both are integral core players on special teams. Takitaki is a bigger contributor on defense.
4. Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst, 28
When healthy, Hurst might be the best pass rusher in the tackle group. His inability to stay healthy makes him a year-by-year contract decision, and an easy get for the tackle rotation.
5. Offensive lineman Michael Dunn, 29
Former O-line guru Bill Callahan always trained his guys to play multiple positions. Dunn can fill in at just about every position on the line.
Big splash signing
If Berry reaches his target cap room number, he should have the space to pursue one splash signing. It should be one of these players.
1. Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, 29
He is the missing link to taking the Browns’ defense to the next level. Myles Garrett never has had a penetrating defensive tackle line up next to him. Jones is the best available player in free agency regardless of position. The Chiefs have been trying to sign him long-term for 12 months. If they don’t have him under contract by Monday, Jones should be the Browns’ first phone call.
2. Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, 28
Next-best to Jones, and projects at about $10 million a year cheaper. There will be a lot of competition for him. If the Browns get tied up chasing Jones and lose, Wilkins might be gone. He could get 10+ sacks in Jim Schwartz’s defensive system. And since everyone’s concerned with “chemistry” with Watson, did you know he once caught a TD pass from Watson at Clemson?
Shopping for needs
Players on this list are a tad below splash signings, but would fill obvious needs.
1. Bills wide receiver Gabriel Davis, 24
He broke the hearts of overzealous fantasy leaguers last year after logging some gigantic games the previous two post-seasons. He has averaged 16.7 yards a catch and 7 touchdowns over four seasons. He’s big, fast and young.
2. Texans defensive end Jonathan Greenard, 26
Last year Berry signed Ogbo Okoronkwo off Houston’s roster. Greenard would be an every-down, starting defensive end, a deviation from Berry’s sacks-for-hire, one-year approach. He’s also been schooled in the Schwartz system run by Houston DC Matt Burke. He wrecked the Browns in the wild-card game.
The one-year bin
These would be possibilities for affordable one-year, “prove-it” deals if the above options aren’t realized.
1. Browns defensive end Za’Darius Smith, 31
I put Smith here rather than on the “re-sign your own” list because I think Smith will pull a Jadeveon Clowney and be deliberate in choosing his next team. I don’t think he’ll find a lucrative multi-year deal. If the Browns don’t enter the Greenard sweepstakes, Smith would be a later consideration.
2. 49ers defensive end Chase Young, 24
Slowly recovering from a brutal knee injury in his second season, the former No. 2 overall draft pick turned in 7.5 sacks with Washington and San Francisco last year. Still young, his chance at a big contract may hinge on one more healthy, productive season.
3. Dolphins wide receiver Cedrick Wilson, 28
He was WR4 in Dallas and then got buried down in Miami behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. I’ve always liked his size and speed. He could restore his market with a prove-it deal and better opportunity.
Trade possibilities
1. Broncos receiver Jerry Jeudy, 24
The 15th overall pick of the 2020 draft has drawn Berry’s interest in the past. Now in his fifth-year option season, the Broncos seem intent on finally trading him. His modest four-year averages (53 receptions, 763 yards, 2.75 TD) caution against a long-term investment, but a redone deal would reduce his almost-$13 million cap number.
2. Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, 29
A new regime in Washington (GM Adam Peters, head coach Dan Quinn) should be pre-occupied with identifying the team’s next quarterback hopeful. Allen’s pairing with Daron Payne makes for a formidable duo inside, and the Commanders already are flushed with $91 million in cap room. So, perhaps wishful thinking here.
3. Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams, 29
With a staggering cap number of $32 million and an ACL injury in Week 3, the Chargers will cut Williams if they can’t trade him for a draft pick. It would be typical of Berry to jump the line waiting for Williams to be released with a late-round trade offer and then re-do his contract. But there’s a risk in tying up big money to a 29-year-old receiver coming off ACL surgery. When healthy, Williams is exactly the outside receiver the team needs opposite Amari Cooper.