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Browns free agency: Geno Smith fits if Shedeur, Deshaun not Todd Monken’s choice

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Dec 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) throws in the first quarter against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

With a new head coach and offensive system, which should include a myriad of additions on the offensive line and wide receiver rooms, we do not know for sure what the Cleveland Browns want to do at the quarterback position. GM Andrew Berry and HC Todd Monken both spoke about Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, and Dillon Gabriel as having a chance to compete for the starting QB job in 2026.

The list of veteran quarterbacks that are available in NFL free agency is longer and more impressive than most seasons, with Las Vegas Raiders QB Geno Smith being the most recent addition to the list:

  • Geno Smith
  • Kyler Murray
  • Daniel Jones
  • Aaron Rodgers
  • Malik Willis
  • Russell Wilson
  • Joe Flacco
  • Jimmy Garoppolo
  • Carson Wentz
  • Kenny Pickett
  • Marcus Mariota
  • Tyler Huntley

There are varying reports that Mac Jones and Anthony Richardson might also be available in trades.

ESPN sources: the Raiders are releasing last season’s starting quarterback Geno Smith, barring a trade before the start of the new league year. By releasing Smith, the Raiders will open up $8M in salary cap space while taking on $18.5M in dead money. pic.twitter.com/MZGLKJPEeX

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 6, 2026
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With the Raiders move being the most recent, it is interesting to note Smith’s career. A second-round pick of the New York Jets, Smith was labeled a bust after starting his first two seasons. After bouncing from the Jets to the Giants and then the Los Angeles Chargers, Smith found a home with the Seattle Seahawks, becoming their full-time starter in 2022 at 32 years old.

After leading the league with a 70% completion percentage in his first year as a starter in Seattle, Smith’s play remained high for two more years, including a 10-7 season with over 4,300 yards passing and 70% completion in 2024.

Las Vegas traded for Smith last offseason and gave him a contract extension, but things fell off for Smith and the Raiders, including leading the league with 17 interceptions. Following HC Pete Carroll and OC Chip Kelly being fired, reports came out about just how dysfunctional the offense was that Smith was trying to run.

For the Browns, it starts with what Monken thinks about Sanders and/or Watson. If Cleveland’s new head coach believes he can build a successful offense with them, adding a veteran like Smith (or Murray, Jones, etc) doesn’t make much sense. At that point, a developmental player like Richardson or a solid backup like Huntley would suffice.

If Monken is not on board with his current options, then Cleveland will likely need to sell Smith on joining the orange and brown. Given his contract with Las Vegas, Smith (like Murray) has no benefit to sign for anything more than the veteran’s minimum this season. That gives Smith a chance to navigate where he wants to sign based on talent around him, fit in the offense, and belief in the coaching staff and organization.

The Browns would have an uphill battle convincing Smith that Cleveland was the spot for him. However, the plethora of veteran quarterbacks available could limit Smith’s options this offseason.


IF Monken is not sold on Sanders, Watson and/or Gabriel, what do you think about Smith being the bridge quarterback for the Browns in 2026?

Share your thoughts in the comment section below
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Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...geno-smith-todd-monken-shedeur-deshaun-watson
 
Cleveland Browns fans are excited for free agency, but want more focus on the draft

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CLEVELAND, OHIO - AUGUST 23: Executive vice president, football operations & general manager Andrew Berry of the Cleveland Browns looks on prior to an NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Los Angeles Rams at Huntington Bank Field on August 23, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images

We are about to get knee deep into the offseason, so we ran an NFL Reacts survey to see if Cleveland Browns fans wanted Andrew Berry to spend big and make huge moves during free agency, or to place more focus on the NFL Draft.

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The results are in: 83% of fans would prefer that Berry focus on the draft. That does not mean fans want him to ignore free agency, but there needs to be some perspective of still sticking with his general strategy of finding young players or reclamation projects, and then having the cap space down the road to pay players who are worth retaining. Getting stuck in cap hell could be detrimental.

Also, the Browns have two first round picks in this year’s draft, and more lucrative picks following that. Cleveland has the assets to affordably upgrade the offense and let Todd Monken get a fair shake at igniting the offense.

On the other hand, one user made a good point when taking the survey by saying that Cleveland has a championship-level defense right now, so maybe it’s worth going all-in this year through a combination of free agency and the draft, and hoping it pays off. Otherwise, the Browns could find themselves in the cycle of getting the offense better for a couple years, with the tradeoff of having the defense not be as stellar.

Right now, the Browns are 50/1 odds to win the AFC Championship next season, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. It’ll be interesting to see how those odds fluctuate after free agency and the draft.
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Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...-free-agency-but-want-more-focus-on-the-draft
 
Browns 2-round mock draft fills some key roster holes

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WACO, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 15: Spencer Fano #55 of the Utah Utes blocks during the first half against the Baylor Bears at McLane Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Waco, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry started on the offseason rebuilding of the offensive line this week with a trade for veteran tackle Tytus Howard.

It was a good first start, but with the potential for having to fill four more starting spots on the line, plus build up some respectable depth, Berry’s work is far from done.

Free agency, which begins on Monday when teams can officially start to negotiate with players, will likely bring in one or two new faces. They may not be big-ticket names like center Tyler Linderbaum or offensive tackle Rasheed Walker, but Berry can make some moves if the price is right, thanks to the recent restructuring of the contracts for both Deshaun Watson and Denzel Ward.

The most impactful moves are still to come in the 2026 NFL Draft, where the Browns hold nine selections, including four in the first three rounds.

While the Browns have picked a bad year to draft a quarterback in the first round, it is a good year to need offensive linemen, especially at the tackle position.

So with that in mind, let’s run through Dane Brugler’s recent two-round mock draft at The Athletic to see what he believes Berry will do when the Browns are on the clock.

Post-Combine Mock Draft (2-rounds)

"Dude stole the freaking show."

"Easily the best O-line workout this year."

Plenty of scout feedback in this mock: https://t.co/EZIUigpdc3

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) March 4, 2026
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Round 1 (No. 6 overall): Spencer Fano, OT, Utah​


With Miami’s Francis Mauigoa off the board to the Arizona Cardinals at No. 3, and the New York Giants taking Ohio State’s Sonny Styles at No. 5, thereby ruining the pleasant fantasy of pairing Styles with Carson Schwesinger, the Browns make the smart play with the selection of Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano:

“Easily the best O-line workout this year.”

The feedback from others matched that praise from a team source and was universally glowing about Fano’s combine performance. (“He confirmed the big grade I put on him,” was another good reply from a team scout.)

His shorter arms (32 1/8 inches) will be interpreted differently by each team, but Fano is too well-liked across the league for him to fall down boards.
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Make what you will of Fano’s arm length, but he is an athletic lineman who should be able to find a spot somewhere on Cleveland’s line, as NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein highlights in his draft profile of Fano:

Fano lacks an ideal proportional build but compensates with loose hips, quick feet, and high-end athleticism. He has the tools to mirror speed rushers, wall off the top of the pocket, and find a late anchor when taking the worst of a bull rush. He needs to stay square longer to prevent inside moves and refine his punch approach/timing. His athletic profile is designed for move-based blocking schemes where he can pull, reach, and climb while beating opponents to the spot with quickness/feel for hitting landmarks on time. He gives good effort as a downhill blocker, but issues with pad level and core strength lead to him being overtaken as the rep progresses. Fano’s level of NFL success might be tied to scheme fit and individual matchups.
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There is some talk that Fano may be better suited to playing guard, which the Browns need as well, so that’s good. But if that does not appeal to the coaches, Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling would be a perfectly acceptable fallback option.

Round 1 (No. 24 overall): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State​


As much as Berry needs to fix the offensive line, he can’t ignore the wide receiver room, which was among the league’s worst in 2025, even when taking into consideration that the quarterback play was historically bad.

With their second first-round pick, Berry adds a talented playmaker to the roster in Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson:

Without any concerns about durability, Tyson likely would be a top-10 pick. However, a lingering hamstring issue might create doubt in the minds of some decision-makers, which could, in turn, lead a team such as Cleveland to find awesome value in the back half of Round 1.
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If the Browns are comfortable with the quality of Tyson’s hamstrings, then he sounds like the exact type of wide receiver they need, as NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein highlights in his draft profile of Tyson:

Learning from Super Bowl XL MVP Hines Ward helped unlock Tyson’s production and elevated his draft stock. He’s added size and improved his route running over the last two years, showing he can align at all three receiver spots. He occasionally rushes the route but has the short-area quickness and contested-catch toughness to find chain-moving grabs in high-leverage moments. He’s not a blazer but has enough speed to work down the field. Also, he has the ball skills and body control to win above the rim with timing on 50/50 throws. Scouts say he puts in the time to absorb knowledge and hone his craft. A history of injuries might explain inconsistent competitiveness as a run blocker in 2025. The wiring, versatility, and finishing talent point to a WR1 ceiling.
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Any doubts, as Berry could opt for Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston, double-dip on Utah lineman with offensive tackle Caleb Lomu, or (gasp!) take a shot on Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.

Round 2 (No. 39 overall): D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana​


Selecting a cornerback this high feels like a luxury, but if the Browns are not comfortable with Martin Emerson coming off a torn Achilles injury as the third cornerback, they could look at the 5-foot-9 and 182-pound D’Angelo Ponds to fill the role:

Drop him at the nickel, and Ponds would make an already stout defense even better. His size isn’t ideal, but Ponds would be in the CB1 conversation if he were two inches taller.
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There is nothing that Ponds can do about his size, but what he can control is what he does on the field, which is being a productive player, as NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein highlights in his draft profile on Ponds:

Ponds is a productive perimeter cornerback trapped in a smaller body, but he’s not lacking in confidence or coverage tenacity. He’s tremendously competitive, and winning seems to follow him at each stop. He matches press releases with good slide quickness and has the speed to stay in-phase as routes travel vertically. Eye discipline, instincts, and trigger quickness fuel his zone work and catch disruption. Size limitations will likely push him to nickelback, where mismatches against bigger bodies and physical challenges from run games will test his playmaking/durability. Ponds is a likely Day 2 pick who will be an above-average starting nickelback in the NFL.
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If Berry is not ready to use a selection on a defensive player at this point, a few names to watch that are still on the board in this mock include Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell II, Oregon guard Emmanuel Pregnon, Iowa guard Gennings Dunker, or Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields.


What do you think, Browns fans? Does this mock draft get you fired up, or would you have Cleveland go in a different direction? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...-round-mock-draft-fills-some-key-roster-holes
 
Browns 2026 NFL Draft: Could Tennessee WR Chris Brazzell spark Cleveland’s passing attack?

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KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 29: Chris Brazzell II #17 of the Tennessee Volunteers looks on during the first half of the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Neyland Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Aside from the offensive line, Cleveland’s wide receiver room is another area that has to be addressed early on in the 2026 NFL Draft next month. If Andrew Berry and Co. choose to address offensive tackle at No.6, then there are a few receivers who could be viable options at picks No.24 or No.39.

Tennessee’s Chris Brazzell would probably be a better value at No.39 as of right now, but he’s a player who’s definitely rising up draft boards due to his surprising athleticism and short-area quickness despite being 6’4”.

There’s been a lot of naysayers out there when it comes to drafting wide receivers from Tennessee, but Brazzell appears to be incredibly different on film than most Josh Heupel-groomed pass-catchers.

Yes, he wins vertically like every other Volunteer receiver, but he has legitimate contested-catch ability and can actually break down to be effective in quick-game schemes. He’s unusually good on whip routes and in-breakers and could provide a new type of weapon for Todd Monken to utilize in multiple areas of the field in 2026 and beyond.

Tennessee regains the lead on No. 6 Georgia👀

Chris Brazzell catches his 3rd touchdown

(via ABC)pic.twitter.com/KxEKJxRAi9

— On3 (@On3) September 13, 2025
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He’s one of the better receivers in this class when it comes to performance at the catch-point as well. Very few players in this cycle are as consistent as Brazzell when it comes to the details, such as showing his hands late so defensive backs can’t swipe them away early. He also times his jumps well, which allows him to consistently be a rung or two higher than whoever is covering him.

Depending on where he plays, either at “X” or “Z”, he’ll have to refine his release packages a bit more because NFL corners are going to be constantly jamming him to try and slow him down early on. Once he has an open running lane downfield, that 4.37 speed and long strides allow him to outrun almost any cornerback that’s covering him.

It’d be exciting to see a player like Brazzell rotating around on the outside with Jerry Jeudy and whoever else Cleveland decides to add to the wide receiver room in 2026. Brazzell would undoubtedly be a potential source of explosive play ability alongside Isaiah Bond going forward, and his versatility could be dangerous in a Todd Monken offense.
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Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...-the-missing-piece-jerry-jeudy-chris-brazzell
 
One surefire way to make the Browns QB room even worse

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FOXBOROUGH, MA - NOVEMBER 13: Justin Fields #7 of the New York Jets throws the ball during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on November 13, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Stop us if you have heard this one before, but the Cleveland Browns have a problem at the quarterback position.

Admittedly, this is a factual statement that has been true for all but a very small handful of seasons since 1999; however, this year the situation is especially acute.

Heading into the new league year, Cleveland’s current quarterback room consists of a broken and untradeable Deshaun Watson, along with Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, who last season posted some of the worst quarterback play by rookies in the past 25 years.

General manager Andrew Berry had his eye on potentially fixing the situation in the 2026 NFL Draft with a pair of first-round selections at his disposal. But as luck would have it, the draft is shaping up to be Fernando Mendoza and a cast of characters that all carry their own issues. (Although it may be worthwhile to keep an eye on Carson Beck*, as head coach Todd Monken is familiar with him from their time together at Georgia.)

The draft is not the only way to address the need, of course, as free agency opens this week across the NFL. But just like the draft class, the list of potential quarterbacks who may be testing the market gets more depressing with each name:

  • Malik Willis
  • Aaron Rodgers
  • Joe Flacco
  • Mitchell Trubisky
  • Russell Wilson
  • Marcus Mariota
  • Tyrod Taylor
  • Jimmy Garoppolo
  • Kirk Cousins
  • Kyler Murray
  • Geno Smith

Cleveland is not the only team searching for a quarterback, even if it sometimes feels like the rest of the NFL has figured it out. Other teams that may be picking through the same list of free agents include the Arizona Cardinals, the Miami Dolphins, the New York Jets, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Minnesota Vikings.

Matching quarterbacks to needy teams is never an easy task, but it is one that Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic recently undertook, and he somehow landed on an option that would make Cleveland’s current quarterback room even worse.

In Rosenblatt’s world, the Browns should apparently remove all doubt about which team has the worst quarterback room by adding Justin Fields to the mix:

A free-for-all! It feels like the Browns are headed this way, a room filled with three returning options in Sanders, Watson, and Gabriel — plus another one (or two) added to the room for good measure and good (is that the right word?) competition.

There are fans who believe in Sanders, and he did show some flashes in his rookie season, but he was highly inconsistent, and the numbers don’t look great. Sanders threw seven touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and ranked 41st of 42 eligible quarterbacks in EPA per attempt (only Jets undrafted rookie Brady Cook was worse).

Gabriel threw seven touchdowns and two interceptions, but also ranked 40th in EPA per attempt, and his off-target throw percentage (13.5 percent) ranked 35th. He does not look like a starting-caliber quarterback.

That’s not to say Fields is looking that way these days either. After playing perhaps the best he has in his Jets debut against the Steelers, he struggled immensely, passing for fewer than 100 yards four times. By the end of the season, Fields seemed scared to throw the ball and struggled to work through his progressions. But there is talent — and his mobility is undoubtedly a weapon, something that few are better at weaponizing than Monken. Fields won’t cost much at this point and, as a bonus, he’s a beloved figure in Ohio thanks to his time as a Buckeye.
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A first-round selection by the Chicago Bears in 2021, Fields has given no indication that he is a viable NFL quarterback while bouncing from the Bears to the Steelers (2024) and the Jets (2025).

Last season in New York, Fields made nine starts and failed to pass for more than 55 yards in four of them. (Of course, one of those games came in a win against the Browns.) He did not turn the ball over, only one interception, but that is because he basically was afraid to throw the ball at all.

His low point came in a Week 6 game against the Denver Broncos when Fields ended up with -10 passing yards after losing 55 yards on nine sacks to negate the 45 passing yards he posted. Fields also had games with 8 net passing yards against the Buffalo Bills, 25 net passing yards against the Carolina Panthers, and 42 net passing yards against the Browns.

Cleveland has been a mess at quarterback, but the one thing they have avoided is making it worse by drafting a quarterback from Ohio State, despite the clamoring from a portion of the fan base to “Fail for Cardale,” or “give a chance” to the likes of Braxton Miller, Troy Smith, or Dwayne Haskins.

Bringing in Fields would do nothing but make the quarterback position even worse than it already is, which is something that no one should be advocating for when it comes to the Browns.

*This is not an endorsement of Cleveland drafting Beck. Just an acknowledgement that he may be linked to them, given his ties to Monken.
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Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...e-surefire-way-to-make-the-qb-room-even-worse
 
Browns roster reset: Players under contract heading into NFL free agency

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Feb 3, 2026; Berea, OH, USA; Executive vice president, football operations and general manager Andrew Berry, left, shakes hands with new head coach Todd Monken during an introductory press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

The start of NFL free agency is upon us. With “legal tampering” opening at noon on Monday and the 2026 league year beginning two days later, the NFL offseason schedule hits high gear quickly. For the Cleveland Browns, a large swath of their 2025 roster will be hitting the free agent market, including OL Wyatt Teller and TE David Njoku, who have both said goodbye to Cleveland already.

Browns fans would love some clarity on OL Joel Bitonio’s plans, as would the team, to have a better understanding of what needs exist heading into NFL free agency and the NFL draft. As currently constructed, not including players with void years on their contracts for this year, Cleveland currently has the following players under contract for the 2026 season.

Browns current roster​


Quarterback

  • Shedeur Sanders
  • Deshaun Watson
  • Dillon Gabriel

Running back

  • Quinshon Judkins
  • Dylan Sampson
  • Raheim Sanders
  • Ahmani Marshall

Wide Receiver

  • Jerry Jeudy
  • Malachi Corley
  • Isaiah Bond
  • Jamari Thrash
  • Cedric Tillman
  • Gage Larvadain
  • Luke Floriea
  • Isaiah Wooden

Offensive Line

  • Tytus Howard (technically not officially traded yet, but we will add him here)
  • Dawand Jones
  • Zak Zinter
  • Kendrick Green
  • Jeremiah Byers
  • Luke Wypler
  • Kingsley Eguakun
  • KT Leveston
  • Tye Phillips
  • Jack Conley

Tight End

  • Harold Fannin Jr.
  • Brenden Bates (ERFA, tendered)
  • Sal Cannella
  • Caden Prieskorn

Defensive end

  • Myles Garrett
  • Alex Wright
  • Isaiah McGuire

Defensive tackle

  • Mason Graham
  • Maliek Collins
  • Mike Hall Jr.
  • Adin Huntington

Linebacker

  • Carson Schwesinger
  • Easton Mascarenas-Arnold
  • Winston Reid (ERFA, tendered)
  • Nathaniel Watson
  • Edefuan Ulofoshio
  • Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (unlikely to return)

Cornerback

  • Denzel Ward
  • Tyson Campbell
  • Myles Harden
  • Dom Jones

Safety

  • Grant Delpit
  • Ronnie Hickman (RFA, tendered)
  • Donovan McMilon
  • Christopher Edmonds

Special teams

  • K Andre Szmyt (ERFA, tendered)
  • LS Rex Sunahara (ERFA, tendered)
  • P Nik Constantinou

As noted, there is a group of players set for restricted free agency, beyond the ERFAs that have already been tendered, and Hickman, the one restricted free agent reported on already:

  • TE Blake Whiteheart
  • DE Sam Kamara
  • LB Mohamoud Diabate
  • CB Sam Webb

What stands out to you when you look at the current Browns roster?

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Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...roster-players-under-contract-nfl-free-agency
 
Browns free agency: Sign OL Zion Johnson to big contract, reportedly

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Sep 21, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (1) and Los Angeles Chargers guard Zion Johnson (77) react after a play during the first half against the Denver Broncos at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Navarro-Imagn Images | William Navarro-Imagn Images

The Cleveland Browns will officially add OT Tytus Howard to their offensive line on Wednesday, and will now sign guard Zion Johnson to help on the line as well. After losing LB Devin Bush to the Chicago Bears, GM Andrew Berry got on the board with a big contract to lure the former Los Angeles Chargers lineman, with multiple reports noting that the Browns will be paying $49.5 million over three years, with $32.4 million guaranteed.

Johnson is just 26 years old after entering the NFL as the Chargers first round pick in the 2022 NFL draft. In four seasons, the athletic Boston College lineman has played in 66 games, including 65 starts. Johnson has versatility, having played on both the right and left sides of the offensive line so far in his career.

Primarily at left guard the last three seasons, Pro Football Focus graded Johnson at 57.0 overall last year, with his best season coming in 2024 at 65.7. Last year, Johnson was the 53rd-best guard in the NFL, according to PFF.

Not the biggest guard, Johnson has elite athletic traits that new HC Todd Monken and OL coach George Warhop will hope to take advantage of:

Zion Johnson was drafted with pick 17 of round 1 in the 2022 draft class. He scored a 9.74 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 34 out of 1293 OG from 1987 to 2022.https://t.co/9YtwoBwORS pic.twitter.com/sZYJJdYx8R

— RAS.football (@MathBomb) March 23, 2024
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Cleveland is still awaiting official word on OL Joel Bitonio’s future. If the veteran returns, Johnson could slide over to the right guard spot. If Bitonio decides to retire or move on to another team, Johnson will likely remain on the left side.

Adam Schefter was first with the news of Johnson’s signing.


How do you feel about the Johnson signing? Do you think it means Bitonio is not returning or unrelated?

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Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...gency-sign-zion-johnson-contract-joel-bitonio
 
Browns free agency: Replace Devin Bush with former All-Pro linebacker

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New York Jets linebacker Quincy Williams (56) celebrates after making a tackle during an NFL Week 10 game between the New York Jets and the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. | Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The start of the NFL free agency’s legal tampering period has been mostly slow for the Cleveland Browns. GM Andrew Berry reportedly inked OL Zion Johnson to a big deal and saw two defenders, LB Devin Bush and DE Cameron Thomas, depart in free agency.

Now, according to multiple reports, Berry has found his replacement for Bush with former All-Pro LB Quincy Williams.

The third round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019, and brother of Dallas Cowboys DT Quinnen Williams, started 73 of 78 games for the New York Jets the last five seasons, making the All-Pro team in 2023. Williams has been a force behind the line of scrimmage with 61 tackles for loss, 21 quarterback hits, and 12.5 sacks in his career. He’s been especially good the last few seasons:

The Browns are signing LB Quincy Williams to a 2-year deal worth up to $17M, per @Schultz_Report

150 defensive stops and 50 TFLs since 2023 (both 1st among LBs) pic.twitter.com/0vd017aZI8

— PFF (@PFF) March 9, 2026
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New Browns DC Mike Rutenberg previously coached Williams with the Jets and Jaguars. Rutenberg talked about Williams when he was introduced in Cleveland:

Williams was with new Browns DC Mike Rutenberg in New York and Jacksonville.

This is what Rutenberg had to say last week when asked about his relationship-building with players: "I go to Quincy Williams, was in Jacksonville with Quincy, and we drafted him. Quincy and I connected… https://t.co/cnGTJrwfs9

— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) March 9, 2026
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While Pro Football Focus noted Williams’ success above, he graded poorly last year (45.5) after two good graded seasons prior (68.0, 81.1) in New York. Overall, besides his best year in 2023, Williams has been much stronger against the run and rushing the passer than in coverage.
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Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...ncy-quincy-williams-devin-bush-rumor-contract
 
Browns free agency: 3rd OLine addition sets current projected starting line for Todd Monken

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LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 05: Teven Jenkins of Cleveland Browns runs out of the tunnel prior to the NFL 2025 game between Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 05, 2025 in London, England."" (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) | Getty Images

“Love it when a good plan comes together.“ Whether the plan is good or not, Cleveland Browns GM Andrew Berry made it clear at the NFL combine that the team had a plan regarding the offensive line, referencing how the Chicago Bears remade theirs the previous offseason. Most believe the Browns not only needed to address their line, but the rebuild of the offense should start there.

Berry had made it clear that he planned a “heavy investment” in the offense in 2026 and, so far in NFL free agency and a trade, has made good on that plan by:


The Jenkins return is official as the team announced the move Tuesday afternoon:

Here to stay! We've re-signed G @TevenJenkins

📰 Read more: https://t.co/FoDu8DXO7W pic.twitter.com/r0Z4NLpNA6

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) March 10, 2026
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Jenkins joined Cleveland last offseason on a one-year deal before playing in all 17 games, including four starts, as he rotated with Wyatt Teller at the right guard position. The former second-round pick of the Chicago Bears was graded by Pro Football Focus as the 8th-best overall guard, sixth-best running blocking guard while playing 324 snaps in 2025.

There have not been any reports on the length or amount of Jenkins’ contract. PFF projected Jenkins at under $3 million for one season, but that was before free agency opened and contract values exploded this offseason.

The return of Jenkins, coupled with the signing of Johnson, all but confirms that long-time Browns guard Joel Bitonio will not return to Cleveland and will likely retire.

As of now, the Browns projected starting offensive looks significantly different than last year. Given that Berry noted that Dawand Jones has a role in 2026, he gets penciled in as the left tackle for now:

  • LT Dawand Jones (or a 1st round pick in 2026)
  • LG Zion Johnson
  • C Luke Wypler
  • RG Teven Jenkins
  • RT Tytus Howard

Cleveland also has the following under contract for the offensive line:

  • Zak Zinter
  • Kendrick Green
  • Jeremiah Byers
  • Kingsley Eguakun
  • KT Leveston
  • Tye Phillips
  • Jack Conley

Do you think Jenkins’ return seals Bitonio’s fate? What are your thoughts on the current projected starting OLine?

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Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...ency-teven-jenkins-starting-line-dawand-jones
 
Daily Dawg Chow 3/11; Browns continue to rebuild OL, drama in division

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Sep 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Green Bay Packers guard Elgton Jenkins (74) blocks against the Dallas Cowboys during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
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The latest Cleveland Browns coverage from Dawgs By Nature:


More Cleveland Browns news:


Around The League:

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Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...tinue-to-rebuild-ol-drama-in-division-shedeur
 
Browns free agency: Team makes 4 signings, 1 trade official

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HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 04: Tytus Howard #71 of the Houston Texans exits the field after an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium on January 4, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images

We have lift off, officially, of NFL free agency. No more reports, at least ones that linger for days, actually signings and trades for the Cleveland Browns and the rest of the NFL. At the start of the league year, the Browns officially tendered S Ronnie Hickman, reportedly with the second round level, let OL Joel Bitonio’s contract void, and decided not to tender three players who could have been restricted free agents.

Tuesday, the team made the re-signing of OL Teven Jenkins official and followed that up on Wednesday by announcing five other moves that had been previously reported:


Cleveland’s roster still has holes and needs to be filled. Some of those might get filled in the 2026 NFL draft, with the Browns possessing nine selections overall, including two in the first round.
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Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...son-quincy-williams-elgton-jenkins-jack-stoll
 
Daily Dawg Chow 3/12; Browns add TE Jack Stoll as Free Agency rolls on

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Sep 14, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Jack Stoll (88) heads off the field after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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The latest Cleveland Browns coverage from Dawgs By Nature:


More Cleveland Browns news:

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Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...te-jack-stoll-as-free-agency-rolls-on-shedeur
 
Browns make moves with Jack Conklin, David Njoku, Wyatt Teller

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Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Back in 2020, after Andrew Berry was hired as the GM of the Cleveland Browns, he set out to revamp the offensive line and the defensive backfield. In free agency, Berry inked RT Jack Conklin away from the Tennessee Titans, and then drafted another right tackle, Jed Wills, out of Alabama with the 10th selection in the NFL draft.

RELATED: BROWNS FREE AGENT TRACKING

Fast forward to 2026, and the Browns have officially released Conklin on Thursday, according to ESPN. He is now a free agent. The team also released TE David Njoku and OL Wyatt Teller as post-June 1st releases.

Conklin is a very good offensive lineman. The problem is, he cannot remain healthy. Since coming to Cleveland in 2020, he has played in 57 games. The problem is, during his six years with the Browns, the franchise has played 102 contests. Hence, the problem. When he plays, he is one of the best right tackles in the game, but he just cannot stay on the field.

He has missed 30 games since the start of the 2023 season.

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Which is not his fault. Conklin doesn’t want to stay home and watch reruns of “Big Bang” or remain at the Berea facility in yet another rehab session. It is what it is.

Conklin was taken in the first round by the Titans in the 2016 NFL draft and made the NFL All-Rookie Team after a sterling college career at Michigan State, where he was a First Team All-American.

The Browns have also officially released TE David Njoku and RG Wyatt Teller with post-June 1 designations.

By cutting Njoku, Cleveland breaks his dead cap into $9.5 million in 2026 and $14.7 million.

Teller's dead cap will be broken up into $8.2 million in 2026 and $11.1 in…

— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) March 12, 2026
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Both of these were expected, as each player had already issued their good-bye declarations to the Browns fanbase.
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Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...n-david-njoku-wyatt-teller-contracts-dead-cap
 
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