As we are just a few days away from the start of NFL Free Agency, transactions for the Cleveland Browns free agency are one thing to look for as they look to bounce back from a disappointing season.
In a division with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals, the Browns need to continue to make moves to stay competitive and relevant. Restructuring Deshaun Watson’s contract and resigning Myles Garett are two solid goals to start free agency, but with more holes to fill, the Browns will have to keep working in free agency.
Cleveland Browns Team Needs | NFL Free Agency 2025
With Watson’s injury history, as well as his inconsistent play, the Browns need a reliable option under center. While picking up a quarterback won’t fix everything, it is a start to rebuilding the team. Garrett will be at the top of every team’s scouting report, so beefing up the defensive line is a must to help get some eyes off of the superstar edge rusher.
With Nick Chubb likely on his way out sooner than later, picking up a cheap player at the running back position may be in the cards for the Browns free agency plans as well.
- Quarterback
- Defensive Line
- Running Back
- Offensive Line
- Wide Receiver
Cleveland Browns Free Agency Targets
Russell Wilson, QB
While Kirk Cousins may be the top quarterback option for the Browns, we have yet to see what the Falcons are going to do with him. On top of that, his asking price might be a little too high for the Browns if they don’t make any big moves. That leads me to believe that a cheaper option for the Browns could be Russell Wilson.
Over the course of his career, Wilson has been seen as one of the best quarterbacks in the league, even winning a Super Bowl. While he certainly is not playing like he did in Seattle, Wilson proved that he still has a place in the league, bringing the Pittsburgh Steelers to the playoffs last season. Picking Wilson up does not mean that the Browns won’t draft a quarterback with the second overall pick, but it gives them a little flexibility if they decide to trade back. Either way, Wilson provides a solid option as a bridge quarterback and an even better option as a mentor if they bring in someone young.
Javon Hargrave, DT
During last season’s free agency period, it seemed like the Cleveland Browns were at least somewhat interested in signing Javon Hargrave. At the time, it seemed like a perfect signing to pair him with Garrett to create that one-two punch pass rushing duo. While the interest was there, the financials were not. Hargrave instead stayed in San Francisco but an injury caused him to miss 14 games last season.
Could missing 14 games last season drop Hargrave’s value in free agency this season? Absolutely. The Browns now have the chance to make up for their loss last season, by bringing Hargrave in at a much cheaper deal. Hargrave would be an instant upgrade to the defensive line, as we know what Hargrave’s ability has been in the run game. As stated before, with Garrett staying in Cleveland, bringing in another strong inside presence should help alleviate some double and triple teams on the All-Pro.
Tyron Smith, OT
The Cleveland Browns have to get younger and rebuild their offensive line, for whoever is the eventual franchise leader at the quarterback position. With the Browns looking at getting younger and moving on from veteran players, a name like Jack Conklin could himself released in the coming days. While the Browns will probably address the offensive line in the draft, they are going to have to get younger, by bringing in a cheap veteran to avoid starting a rookie on the line.
One name that I think could make sense to bring in is Tyron Smith. He spent last season with the New York Jets and overall looked like a former shell of his Dallas Cowboys self. Either way, during his time in the NFL, Smith proved to be one of the best tackles in the league. Bringing in Smith on a cheaper deal can help to transition whoever they draft to becoming a solid starter in years to come.
