Kareem Elgazzar-Imagn Images
Much like with Jadeveon Clowney, GM Andrew Berry could try again for players he liked in NFL free agency
In general, NFL free agency is not a successful way to build a team. In many ways, NFL free agency is mostly full of failures. There is a reason teams allow their guys to hit the market and, most of the time, those are the same reasons that new teams should be cautious.
That doesn’t mean there isn't value in free agency but finding value is more important than making big signings.
The Cleveland Browns have had a number of failures by trying to find answers in free agency. S Juan Thornhill will reportedly be released after two seasons. Two players that were also pursued that offseason by GM Andrew Berry, but eventually signed with other teams, are also back on the market: DTs Dre’Mont Jones and Javon Hargrave.
Hargrave was seen as a good fit for the team in 2023 but Jones was linked to Cleveland more often. Jones was brought in for a predraft visit back in 2019. Profiled as a disruptor on the interior, Jones was miscast when the Seattle Seahawks changed systems. In two seasons with the Seahawks, Jones had 8.5 sacks but was pushed to the outside last season.
Hargrave, four years the senior to Jones, only played three games last season but had seven sacks in his first season with the San Francisco 49ers.
Both could help the Browns depth needs on the defensive line, but Jones, a Cleveland native, could provide the biggest impact given his age.
Do you think the Browns should revisit either of these free agents this year? Share your thoughts on Jones and Hargrave below
Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
While the pick may be a QB, there are a few names being attached to Cleveland come draft night.
The Cleveland Browns will be experiencing a new sensation in the 2025 NFL Draft as the team will be making a selection in the first round for the first time since selecting cornerback Greg Newsome II in 2021.
Related: Cleveland Browns NFL Draft Profiles
The Browns currently hold the No. 2 overall selection and nine picks overall, giving general manager Andrew Berry plenty to work with as he looks to reshape the roster of a team that had a disappointing season in 2024.
Cleveland needs a quarterback, but do they like Miami’s Cam Ward or Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders enough to select them so high? What about adding to the defense with Penn State’s Abdul Carter or Colorado’s Travis Hunter? Or does Berry have something else in mind?
Let’s try and find out with a quick run through some mock drafts to see what people think the Browns will do when they are on the clock on April 24 in Green Bay.
Ian Cummings, Pro Football Network: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25903080/2183224928.jpg "COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 09 Miami at Georgia Tech")
Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Tom Fornelli, CBS Sports: Cam Ward QB, Miami
Jacob Camenker, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Brianna Dix, buccaneers.com: Abdul Carter, DE, Penn State
Marcus Moser, The 33rd Team: Abdul Carter, DE, Penn State
Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25903083/2185162326.jpg "Utah v Colorado")
Mike Sando, The Athletic: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25903084/2187641554.jpg "Oklahoma State v Colorado")
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: Travis Hunter, CB, Colorado
Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: Abdul Carter, DE, Penn State
Trevor Sikkema, Pro Football Focus, Cam Ward, QB, Miami
What do you think Browns fans? Would selecting from the group of Ward, Sanders, Carter and Hunter be the right move? Or do you have someone else in mind?
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images
Trade for Mike Mayer? Re-sign Za’Darius Smith? Kirk Cousins? More NFL offseason options for Browns
The NFL offseason has started hot and heavy despite legal tampering not starting yet. The Cleveland Browns got a pair of good pieces of news as OL Joel Bitonio put off retirement to return and DE Myles Garrett ended his trade request saga with a huge new contract.
After that, the NFL went a bit off the rails with huge extensions (QB Josh Allen was the biggest), a couple of street free agents finding new teams (WR Davante Adams, OLB/DE Harold Landry) and at least one big trade (WR DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers).
Who knows what else can happen before Monday’s free agency kickoff.
As for the Browns, a lot of things could (reportedly) happen as soon as free agency’s tampering period opens but GM Andrew Berry doesn’t always act quickly. Surveying league sources as well as projecting slightly, here are five moves Cleveland could make quickly but three of the five require help from other teams:
(Full disclosure: This piece was set to run Monday morning but all the moves Sunday night led to an early publish late Sunday)
- Trade for WR Brandon Aiyuk
Berry tried to trade WR Amari Cooper and an early pick for Aiyuk last year. Since then, the San Francisco 49ers grew weary of Aiyuk’s antics but still signed him to a big deal. Aiyuk tore his ACL after seven games and, reportedly, his signing will lead to big changes in how the Niners do business.
“Buyers remorse” could lead to a trade, as could Aiyuk’s contract. On or before April 4th, San Francisco has to either pick up a $4 million option AND all of his 2026 contract or move on from the speedy receiver. The Browns could step in with a trade (CB Greg Newsome plus Day 3 picks may have been discussed already) and then redo Aiyuk’s deal in a way to help the team and player overall.
- Bring back DE Za’Darius Smith
The Detroit Lions traded a fifth-round pick to get Smith for the stretch run but have now released him. Smith is close with Garrett, loved his time in Cleveland and could get an incentive-laden deal to return. Smith provides depth and an option as a starter in 2025.
- Sign DT Dre’Mont Jones
Another defensive lineman that we’ve covered as an option for the Browns, Jones is from the area, was miscast last year with the Seattle Seahawks and could come in as a rotation piece right away. The price will likely be low, but for one year to allow Jones to build back his value for 2026 free agency.
- Trade for TE Mike Mayer
Another trade that could be cheap, considering the NFL draft pedigree, as Mayer has been rumored to be on the market. A return to a more two tight end set offense requires a couple more at the position and Mayer could see a return to his Notre Dame days in Cleveland. A Day 3 pick with another pick swap could get the job done.
- Sign QB Kirk Cousins
Finally, one that has been assumed by many still needs the Atlanta Falcons to release him, which seems less likely day by day but still possible. While Cousins struggled last year, he would sign as a veteran minimum player, be another year removed from Achilles surgery and be back in a system he is comfortable in.
Realistically, the Browns won’t make all five moves but that would be possible.
Which of the five moves do you like the best? Which do you like the least?
Share your thoughts in the comment section below
Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
Our live blog and free agency tracker for the Cleveland Browns will be going all day long, so make sure you continue to refresh this page for the latest updates!
Free agency starts for the Cleveland Browns and the rest of the NFL at 4:00 PM ET on Wednesday — but the real news typically breaks when the legal tampering period starts. That period begins today at 12:00 PM ET.
We will have all of the Browns-related news and rumors on free agency here at Dawgs By Nature throughout the day. This post will act as a “live blog” of sorts, with brief but important updates about the latest rumors, signings, or trades involving Cleveland or other NFL teams.
You should also use the comments section as your free agency open thread! (Newest updates will be at the top of the live blog below)
2025 Browns Free Agency Live Blog - Day 1
10:30 AM: Another defensive tackle hits the market, which could be interesting to the Browns in Grady Jarrett. Will the Falcons also release Kirk Cousins:
9:58 AM: Hopefully this isn’t a move that Cleveland is interested in, but as DBN’s Matt Wilson points out, it seems crazy that OT Dan Moore from the Steelers could command a ridiculous contract, despite the struggles he had.
9:35 AM: A backup and special teams player, D’Anthony Bell could be a hot name as free agency gets started:
9:04 AM: The Browns are not the only team in the AFC North on the hunt for a new quarterback, and Aaron Rodgers has reportedly entered the discussion as the Pittsburgh Steelers muddle their way through the unenviable task of deciding between options like Russell Wilson, Justin Fields or Rodgers, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter:
6:30 AM: Last night, Jared Mueller dropped an article about 5 potential moves the Browns could be looking to make. It’s a mixture of connecting the dots, guesses, and sources, so be sure to check it out.
Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25904707/2192302875.jpg "Kansas City Chiefs v Cleveland Browns")
6:18 AM: Cleveland will be looking for new talent over the next few days, but they also have a lot of players from 2024 who are set to become free agents. Which of these players will be brought back by the team for 2025?
Browns’ Offensive Free Agents
QB Jameis Winston, QB Bailey Zappe, RB Nick Chubb, RB D’Onta Foreman, RB Nyheim Hines, WR Elijah Moore, WR James Proche, TE Jordan Akins, TE Geoff Swaim, OT Jedrick Wills, OT James Hudson, OT Geron Christian, OT Hakeem Adeniji, OT Germain Ifedi, OG Michael Dunn, C Nick Harris
Browns’ Defensive Free Agents
DE James Houston, DT Maurice Hurst, LB Devin Bush, LB Khaleke Hudson, S Rodney McLeod, S D’Anthony Bell, CB Mike Ford, CB Tony Brown
Note: The list does not include S Juan Thornhill or LS Charley Hughlett, two players who the Browns already cut.
6:00 AM: Good morning, Browns fans, and welcome to free agency! Legal negotiations begin at noon today.
The Browns already solved one of their biggest offseason situations by extending the contract of DE Myles Garrett yesterday, making him the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL. Garrett had been verbally strong in recent weeks that he wanted to move to a contender, but now he’s saying he believes in the Browns again, after talking with GM Andrew Berry. Is this just a situation of “money talks,” or did Berry clue Garrett into some key moves he has up his sleeve in the coming days?
With OG Joel Bitonio also deciding to return, that leaves two big question marks: what will the team do at quarterback, and will they end up re-signing RB Nick Chubb?
Today’s updates will be brought to you by a mix of the DBN staff.
Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images
Jed Wills, Germain Ifedi, James Hudson among seven Browns free agent offensive linemen
The Cleveland Browns not only have needs on their offensive line but seven free agents from a line that struggled a lot last year. The team hopes that firing Andy Dickerson and replacing him with Mike Bloomgren will be helpful, but there is still a need for more talent.
The Browns could have some money to spend but that doesn’t mean there are free agents deserving of big contracts. Cleveland’s roster also has a ton of free agents pending this offseason including seven on the offensive line:
- Jedrick Wills
- Nick Harris
- Michael Dunn
- Germain Ifedi
- Hakeem Adeniji
- Geron Christian
- James Hudson III
Hudson was singled out as a “bargain” option in free agency earlier this week. On Day 1 of NFL free agency, Hudson found a new home with the New York Giants:
A former 4th round pick, back in 2021, Hudson has played in 49 games with 17 starts. While flexible to play inside, Hudson has played all of his regular season snaps at tackle with over 1,000 on the right side and 278 on the left including over 200 last year before an injury led to shoulder surgery.
Contract details are still needed but the initial report is a solid deal for Hudson:
Hudson has never had a season grade of 60 or better, according to Pro Football Focus, and has been a better run blocker than pass protector during his career.
How did you feel about Hudson’s four years with the Browns? Does losing him to the Giants concern you?
Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images
Cleveland has reportedly signed veteran swing-tackle Cornelius Lucas
The Cleveland Browns have reportedly signed veteran swing tackle Cornelius Lucas to a 2-year deal.
The Browns headed into the 2025 offseason in desperate need of depth in the offensive tackle room, and they successfully added a veteran option who’s performed very well throughout his career with the Washington Commanders.
Lucas is light-years better than what Cleveland’s had as a backup offensive tackle over the past few seasons, and as we’ve seen, that’s a pretty important spot for the team.
Name
Cornelius Lucas
Position
Offensive Tackle
Height/Weight
6’8”, 325 Lbs.
2024 Team
Washington Commanders
Stats
2024: 14 games - 7 starts: 464 total offensive snaps - 318 at LT, 139 at RT, 7 at TE/6th OL, 1 sack allowed
Career: 129 games - 54 starts: 3931 total offensive snaps
PFF Grade: 74.1
2024 Contract
1-year, $2,800,000 contract
Fit with Browns
Lucas will most likely be Cleveland’s swing tackle in 2025 based on his above-average performances at both left and right tackle over the past five seasons with Washington.
Current Browns player the trade could impact
It’s safe to say that Cleveland probably isn’t viewing Lucas as a starting option at left tackle, but he’s undoubtedly put up starting-quality performances there. He’s been one of the better spot-starters in the league since 2020.
Depending on what the team decides to do at left tackle via the NFL Draft, it sounds like Dawand Jones will be the starting left tackle heading into 2025 until further notice.
How the acquisition could impact the NFL Draft
Much like the Kenny Pickett addition at quarterback, adding Cornelius Lucas shouldn’t affect the Browns’ draft plans when it comes to Offensive Tackle.
Reported Contract
2-year deal worth up to $10,000,000
How do you feel about the Cornelius Lucas signing? Join fellow Browns fans in the comment section below.
Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images
Day 1 of the free agency period for Cleveland only had one development
Cleveland Browns GM Andrew Berry has always begun NFL free agency period with a “splash” signing or two.
Not that these signings amounted to much, but at the time they seemed grand: OT Jack Conklin in 2020, CB Troy Hill in 2021, 2022’s DT Taven Bryan, S Juan Thornhill for 2023, and LB Jordan Hicks last year. Some hits, and some misses.
RELATED: KENNY PICKETT - GRADING THE TRADE
So, it was a very unusual first day of free agency for the Browns 2025 edition. No splashes, no rumors, and no excitement of what is next or an unexpected player signed right at noon.
Browns fans can decide how they feel about the one move that was made:
However, there was a trade. The Browns are getting QB Kenny Pickett in exchange for QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson (DTR) and a 2025 fifth-round draft pick. No, really.
The Browns starting QB, Deshaun Watson, appears his injury to his Achilles heel will not heal before the season opener. It has been rumored that Watson may not play at all in 2025. So, DTR was the only quarterback on the roster. Now that he is gone, Pickett is the only quarterback on the roster.
Which seems strange since Cleveland set an NFL record for most starting quarterbacks in consecutive seasons with nine. Now, they are technically down to one healthy signalcaller.
On the surface, this trade appears to be one developmental QB disappointment for another developmental QB disappointment.
The trade
What is behind the trade?
For one, the Browns went into Day 1 of the free agency period without a starting quarterback. Or a backup quarterback.
Which one will Pickett fill? The answer is: we will see.
Pickett (6’-3”, 220 pounds) came into the NFL from the University of Pittsburgh, where he was a finalist for every quarterback achievement award: Heisman Trophy, Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award, and Manning Award. He did win the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and the Panther Award.
Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25906659/1358490618.jpg "87th Heisman Trophy Media Availability")
As a senior, Pickett was the ACC Player of the Year, voted First Team All-ACC, and named First Team All-American.
In his senior season, he threw 42 touchdown passes. No, not a misprint. His completion ratio was an outstanding 67.2% and he tossed just seven interceptions. At the conclusion of his college career, Pickett had played in 52 games, had 1,045 completions on 1,674 attempts for 12,303 yards, 81 TD passes, 32 picks, a 62.4% completion ratio, and a 136.3 QB rating. He also rushed for 800 yards on 418 attempts with an additional 21 touchdowns.
He finished his career as Pitt’s all-time leader in passing yards (12,303), pass completions (1,045), total offense (13,112), touchdown responsibility (102), and passing touchdowns (81). That’s a very good pedigree. But tearing up college defenses is a long way from being able to read an NFL defensive scheme.
The Pittsburgh Steelers took him with the 20th pick in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft. This is where the fairytale ends.
Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25906644/1828940490.jpg "Arizona Cardinals v Pittsburgh Steelers")
In his first game of his rookie season in Week 4 when the Steelers benched started Mitchell Trubisky, Picket threw three interceptions. Before the season concluded, he had two concussions, seven TDs, and nine interceptions. In his second season, he had a bone bruise and a high ankle sprain and finished his season with the lowest touchdown percentage of all eligible starting quarterbacks.
Pickett did provide six fourth-quarter comebacks and seven game-winning drives during his time with the Steelers.
During the 2024 off-season, Pittsburgh signed free agent Russell Wilson, and Pickett requested a trade. Before those words were completely out of his mouth, the Steelers shipped him to the Eagles along with a fourth-round pick for a third-round pick, two seventh-round picks, a bag of footballs, and a stack of Chick-Fil-A coupons. Or something like that.
The Steelers did their due diligence by sending Pickett out of the conference.
Pickett then became Jalen Hurts’ backup. It wasn’t like Pickett had a year behind some master quarterback with a ton of experience and Super Bowl victories (yet), either. Yes, Hurts was getting better each season, but he is just two years older than Pickett. It wasn’t Patrick Mahomes, or Aaron Rodgers, or some other QB wonder to learn from.
Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25906647/2199770585.jpg "Super Bowl LIX - Kansas City Chiefs v Philadelphia Eagles")
However, Pickett was thrown into the QB room headed by QB coach Doug Nussmeier, who has been an offensive coach for 24 years and has won a college football national championship, a Grey Cup, and now a Super Bowl. And that is where Pickett spent his 2024 season, getting tutelage on how to become a starting quarterback in this league.
Being on the Eagles became a huge benefit as Philly won this year’s Super Bowl. Pickett had the final plays on the field for both the NFC Championship Game plus the Super Bowl.
DTR proved he was nothing more than a project and demonstrated why he was drafted in the fifth round. Pickett is a pretty good leap up from DTR - that much is certain.
How does the trade affect the Browns?
For one, Pickett could start. He has played in 30 NFL games with 25 starts. He took control of the Eagles in Week 16 after Hurts came out with a concussion as they were beaten by the Washington Commanders 36-33. The following week, he started and guided the team to a 34-6 spanking of division foe Dallas Cowboys.
Was Pickett chosen to be the Browns’ starting quarterback in 2025?
At the very least, he would be good insurance as the backup. In his three years as a pro, his completion ratio is still pretty good at 62.4%. But just like Jameis Winston, he just throws to the wrong team too many times with 14 picks total against 15 touchdowns.
He is a good game manager, but he isn’t going to light it up every game with 400 passing yards and 30+ points scored per game. Pickett needs a good running game behind him and a solid offensive line in front of him to give him the time to go through progressions.
Berry will need to fix Cleveland’s offensive line. Now. This year. The running back situation remains unsolved, so that is an issue as well.
Most likely, Berry will draft a young quarterback in this year’s draft. Will he start? Depends. Depends on who he selects and which round that player is taken.
Russell Wilson was a third-round draft pick and beat out the Number 1 free agent quarterback they signed that year to be their starter. So, anything is possible.
Photo by Dustin Markland/Getty Images/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25906651/2192527036.jpg "Duke v Ole Miss - TaxSlayer Gator Bowl")
Jaxson Dart #2 of Ole Miss
If a guy like Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss is taken in the second round, most likely, it will be a competition between Pickett and Dart for the starting nod. If a third/fourth-round guy such as Will Howard of Ohio State, Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard, or Kurtis Rourke of Indiana is taken, the depth chart will most likely become:
- QB1: Kenny Pickett
- QB2: This year’s draft pick
- QB3: free agent signing
- PS QB: undetermined
RELATED: JAXSON DART INTERVIEW
If the Browns use the #2 overall pick in the first round on a quarterback, then this will be the depth chart:
- QB1: Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders
- QB2: Kenny Pickett
- QB3: This year’s low-round draft pick or free agent
- PS QB: undetermined
For the Steelers, Pickett is not only back in the conference but has also returned to the division. Oops.
There is a possibility that Berry has not gotten the only quarterback he is targeting in free agency. Maybe Berry has focused on his backup QB and taken a flyer on a former first-round guy for next to nothing. Berry could sign another, which would provide a proven starter, thus placing Pickett at backup once again and the young draft pick as the developmental QB3.
Aaron Rodgers hasn’t been signed, although he hasn’t been rumored to the Browns. Then again, neither was Pickett. Joe Flacco is a fan fav. The Atlanta Falcons might still be willing to get rid of Kirk Cousins. Russell Wilson is available. Daniel Jones is now with the Indianapolis Colts. Case Keenum, Drew Lock, Cooper Rush, Carson Wentz, and Trey Lance are still out there. Jacoby Brissett tied to Arizona.
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25906656/usa_today_25080122.jpg "NFL: Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles")
Pickett is in the final year of his rookie deal, which will pay him $2.6 million. His fifth-year option will need to be addressed at some point. He is just 26 years old and can continue to grow into a starting QB in this league. With the Browns, he does perhaps get a shot to start again, which he would never do with Philadelphia who love Hurts as their starter, plus the development of backup QB Tanner McKee.
Before free agency began, the Browns’ quarterback room had more questions than answers. Now, suddenly, there is some clarity.
The backup quarterback role is solved.
Think you can figure out which Browns player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!
Welcome back to our Dawgs By Nature in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game, we’ve had the national game on the site for a few months!
All answers are current or former Cleveland Browns players. As you type in your guess, a list of players will appear, you must select from that list for your answer to be accepted.
Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in the Google Form.
Today’s Dawgs By Nature in-5 game
If you can’t see the game due to Apple News or another service, click on this game article.
Previous Games
Tuesday, March 11th
Monday, March 10th
Sunday, March 9th
Saturday, March 8th
Friday, March 7th
Thursday, March 6th
Wednesday, March 5th
Dawgs By Nature in-5 instructions
The goal of the game is to guess the correct Browns player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS this week. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it. The game appears in slot #3 of the DBN layout each day this week and as noted above, will appear in this article exclusively. Additionally, there is a more general version of this at SBNation.com, which features a variety of random players that do not necessarily have Eagles history.
After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.
Enjoy!
Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images
Cleveland has reportedly signed DT Maliek Collins
The Cleveland Browns have reportedly signed veteran defensive tackle Maliek Collins to a two-year deal.
Cleveland’s defense was missing something for most of the 2024 season, and that “something” was the ability to apply pressure up the middle in the team’s base packages.
Rookie DT Michael Hall Jr. showed flashes of above-average pass-rushing ability when on the field, and Dalvin Tomlinson could get an occasional push on early downs, but consistency was a huge problem compared to 2023.
Maliek Collins was one of the better interior pass rushers available on the market, and he’ll undoubtedly be able to help the defense in multiple ways this season.
Name
Maliek Collins
Position
Defensive Tackle
Height/Weight
6’2”, 310 Lbs.
2024 Team
San Francisco 49ers
Stats
2024: 17 games - 17 starts: 33 tackles, 5 TFL, 5 sacks, 2 FR
Career: 136 games - 129 starts: 239 tackles, 51 TFL, 30.5 sacks, 1 FF, 8 FR, 4 pass deflections, 1 INT
PFF Grade: 57.9
2024 Contract
$3,068,000 cap number - Designated as a post-June 1 cut by the 49ers
Fit with Browns
Maliek Collins was tailor-made for the Jim Schwartz defense, specifically referring to the interior pass-rushing element.
Last season, Cleveland struggled to get pressure on the quarterback in the A and B gaps unless they brought additional players on a blitz. This allowed opposing quarterbacks to step up in the pocket and gave them a better shot to avoid Myles Garrett and the rest of the edge rushers.
Collins will most likely be able to give the Browns’ defense some of what it was consistently missing in 2024.
Current Browns player the trade could impact
Shelby Harris. Unlike some competitive situations, this could actually affect Shelby Harris in a good way heading into 2025.
Though Harris was pretty effective in 2024, he was even better in 2023 on a snap-by-snap basis and for one main reason: He was playing less, which kept him fresh throughout each game.
Harris played close to 60% of total defensive snaps in 2024 as opposed to 2023 when he played 42% of snaps.
How the acquisition could impact the NFL Draft
The Collins signing could impact Cleveland’s draft plans by encouraging them to focus on a different style or type of defensive tackle in April.
The Browns could be interested in a bigger, two-gapping run stopper to help eat up blocks on early downs now.
Reported Contract
2-year, $20 million deal with $13 million fully guaranteed
How do you feel about the Maliek Collins signing? Join fellow Browns fans in the comment section below.
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
NFL free agency got rolling but a few teams are left with needs at QB leading Russell Wilson to join the Browns
Just to make sure we are all on the same page as NFL free agency just got officially started, six or more teams entered the NFL offseason with a need at the most important position in the league, quarterback. The Seattle Seahawks joined that list by sending Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders but then signed Sam Darnold, dropping the number back to five.
Justin Fields filled the New York Jets need, which leaves the Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans looking for answers.
Now Russell Wilson will visit the Browns while Kirk Cousins rumors continue to swirl. On top of that, Aaron Rodgers could be interested in signing with the Steelers, Giants or even the Minnesota Vikings but no one really knows which of those teams want him.
Welcome to the NFL’s game of QB chicken. Who has leverage? Everyone and no one. Who wants control? Everyone.
Bringing Wilson in to Cleveland, in an era where free agent visits are very rare, could be an earnest decision to see if there is a fit between the two parties. More likely, the Browns want to make sure they have leverage in any trade talks with the Atlanta Falcons about Cousins (which could realistically happen if the Falcons eat a ton of the cap hit) and Wilson wants to make sure he is seen to have more than one suitor (whether that is New York or Pittsburgh).
Rodgers, based on rumors, is who the Steelers want to sign but seems to want to fulfill his Brett Favre arc by joining the most talented team we’ve mentioned, the Vikings. Pittsburgh could instead pivot to adding Cousins in a trade or bringing back Wilson. Heck, Jameis Winston and Joe Flacco could come into play for teams soon as well.
The game of chicken is clearly happening behind the scenes:
The game of musical chairs has a few openings and a few veterans but Rodgers, Wilson and Cousins make up the (somewhat sad) top tier of available or potentially available quarterbacks with others falling behind. Then there is the NFL draft with Cam Ward seemingly clearly ahead of Shedeur Sanders but only those two in the conversation for the first round.
Players want leverage, teams want leverage. Between now and when signings/trades actually happen, everything else is a part of this game of chicken.
Which QB do you think the Browns will end up with? Share your thoughts on the QB game of chicken in the comment section below
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
QB rumors are getting hot and heavy for the few teams left needing one in NFL free agency. Joe Flacco takes a visit
Sometimes the term carousel is used for both coaching searches and quarterback holes. For a few teams, the search for a quarterback has led to moves and countermoves to try to achieve whatever their goals are. The Cleveland Browns had QB Russell Wilson in for an NFL free agency visit with two interesting players playing host in Berea, Ohio.
Wilson is scheduled to visit the New York Giants on Friday after leaving without a contract with the Browns. Cleveland and New York are also tied together in the NFL draft with the second and third picks, respectively, and the Giants rumored to be trying to move up.
There is a chance the two teams could have another connection as QB Joe Flacco reportedly visited with the Giants while Wilson was with the Browns:
Flacco started five glorious games for Cleveland, completing 60% of his passes for 1,616 yards, 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Two interceptions returned for touchdowns in the playoffs doomed the miracle run that led to Flacco receiving the Comeback Player of the Year award.
The Browns and Flacco parted ways last offseason with the quarterback finding a home with the Indianapolis Colts despite reports of interest in a reunion. In eight games, including six starts, Flacco completed 65% of his passes for the Colts with 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
It is possible that New York could be looking at Flacco as a stopgap starter or a veteran presence as a backup. It would be unlikely that Wilson and Flacco would both be signed which makes Friday’s visit even more interesting for Cleveland to monitor.
Some fans and media would celebrate Flacco’s return to the Browns for 2025 but there has been very little talk of that being a possibility.
