The 2023 season has just ended, and on March 13, the 2024 campaign will open its doors. DNA of Sports therefore takes this opportunity to offer you an overview of the different franchises during the offseason. Which players to keep and cut? Which free agents to extend? Which recruits to observe? Here are some ideas, franchise by franchise. In the spotlight today, the Cleveland Browns.
Back in the playoffs in 2023, the Browns were surprised and soundly beaten by the Texans in the first round. Until then, the Orange had managed well by finishing 5th in their conference despite the loss of their two offensive leaders early in the season. A performance which allowed Kevin Stefanski to win the title of coach of the year. Supported by a huge defense, it was more difficult offensively.
Before his injury, DeShaun Watson was still feverish. Casting problem? Level ? Advancing the attack to bring it as close as possible to the level of the defense, the road map is obvious to reach a level in 2024.
The captains
1. Myles Garrett (Edge)
2. Joel Bitonio (L)
3. Denzel Ward (CB)
Reigning Defender of the Year, Myles Garrett has been the face of the franchise for a long time now. Man of the revival of the Browns, the franchise began to turn its head around when it was selected as the 1st pick in 2017. With now 6 seasons in a row beyond 10 sacks, Garrett is an outstanding quarterback hunter and an essential playmaker of the number 1 defense in 2023.
In Cleveland for 10 seasons, Joel Bitonio has experienced everything in Ohio. Basic man of the offensive line, he is as valuable for his quarterback as for his runners. The oldest player in the locker room, in September he crossed the symbolic milestone of his 100th consecutive match as a starter. Almost as emblematic as his former teammate Joe Thomas, at 32 he remains a reference in his position.
He's not the flashiest cornerback in the league, and yet. For 6 seasons, Denzel Ward has been the pillar of the Browns' best air defense and the leader of the defensive backfield. Well helped by his sidekick Greg Newsome, he muzzles receivers and quarterbacks by limiting them to less than 165 yards per game in 2023 (1st NFL). Still holding the biggest contract at his position, the former Ohio State player does not betray the confidence placed in him.
The undesirables
– Nick Chubb (RB)
–Dustin Hopkins (K)
– Jordan Akins (TE)
An essential part of the Browns attack for several seasons, Nick Chubb is recovering from a serious knee injury. Contracted from the 2nd week of the season, the runner had to play the pool twice during the fall. At 28 years old and in the last year of his contract, the franchise may question the relevance of retaining a player with an impact of more than 15 million on the payroll. As talented as he is, a 100% return to his former abilities remains to be demonstrated, and the Browns could err on the side of caution given their need for economy.
If he is coming off the best season of his career at the age of 33, including an 8 out of 8 beyond 50 yards, Dustin Hopkins has always been an irregular kicker. His salary of more than 3 million could be used elsewhere. Cleveland also seems to have anticipated this by signing his possible successor, Lucas Havrisik, rookie kicker for the Rams for part of the season.
Only 132 yards for Jordan Akins in 2023, that's expensive per yard for a 32-year-old player who costs more than $2.3 million. There is little doubt about its cut to facilitate compliance with the salary cap.
The summer man
Jerome Ford (RB)
Promoted to number one runner after Nick Chubb's injury, 2nd year player Jerome Ford responded. Author of more than 1,100 cumulative yards and 9 touchdowns, he demonstrated valuable versatility. A performance that could accelerate the era change in Cleveland's running game. Especially since the franchise needs to save money.
If that's the case, Ford will still need to progress in the pure racing game. With an average of 4 yards per carry, where Chubb has never gone below 5 in his career, he must learn to better exploit the good offensive line of the Browns. A philosophical change in Cleveland's offense with load sharing instead of a near-single runner like Chubb could help take the pressure off Ford. The presence of Pierre Strong in particular could prove to be the ideal complement.
The main free agents
1. Joe Flacco (QB)
2. Za’Darius Smith (Edge)
3. Jordan Elliot (DL)
4. Sione Takitaki (LB)
5. Shelby Harris (DL)
Others: Kareem Hunt (RB), Anthony Walker Jr (LB), Jakeem Grant (WR), Marquise Goodwin (WR), Maurice Hurst (DL), Harrison Bryant (TE), Duron Harmon (S), Corey Bojorquez (P ), Jacob Phillips (LB), James Proche (WR), Geron Christian (OT)
Returning from what we thought was the beginning of retirement, Joe Flacco shone as in his finest hours. Crowned with the title of comeback player of the year, the quarterback did not fail in his mission to replace the injured Watson. But with the return of the holder, and at 39 years old, it is hard to imagine Flacco putting on an understudy costume in Cleveland when he could, why not, do one last campaign elsewhere.
The defensive line will be put to the test this spring. Three important players are reaching the end of their lease. The financial situation does not make their return obvious, in the best case, it will be one of the three.
The second curtain will also be renewed. Takitaki and Walker, two of the three linebacker starters are free, and with the same observation for the line, only one will be able to return, in the best case scenario, barring financial effort from the players.
The Top 5 needs
1. Receiver
2. Defensive tackle
3. Linebacker
4. Left tackle
5. Quarterback
With DeShaun Watson's contract like a ball and chain, the Browns have no choice but to do everything to help the quarterback justify his juicy emoluments. This is the reason why the franchise cannot afford the luxury of saving Amari Cooper's salary and this is also why it will once again have to insist on the receiver position to hope to find Watson again. from Houston.
On the defensive side, the front 7 needs a facelift. Several departures are expected, and the workforce must be renewed. Whether in the center of the line or on the back curtain, the starters Tomlinson and Owosu-Koramoah need reinforcements.
At left tackle, Jedrick Wills gets the job done, but the former Alabama player missed half the season with a knee injury. His understudy at the end of his contract, it is important for Cleveland and even more for Watson to have guarantees on his blind side. And with Wills in his final year in 2024, the franchise must plan for an alternative in case negotiations fizzle out.
Indisputable holder, despite any level, due to his contract, Watson needs a quality understudy. Subscribed to the infirmary since the start of his career, the quarterback is fragile and often absent. If it's not Flacco, the Browns will have to consider another veteran who can hold the reins.
Target
Willie Gay (LB)
With tight finances, the Browns will have to deal intelligently to fill needs, and favor less expensive positions on the market. Of all their needs, the linebacker position is by far the most affordable on the free agent market. Especially to find a holder.
A man in the shadows, but formidably valuable in the Kansas City defense, Willie Gay has the experience of big matches on his side. Double reigning champion, he is a core member of the excellent second curtain of the Chiefs. His statistics are not necessarily indicative of his contribution to the game. Versatile, effective against the run and in coverage, his association with Owosu-Koramoah would look great.
New blood
Ja'Lynn Polk (WR)
Without a 1st round (again) this year, the Browns will see the highest-rated players leave before their choice. However, this does not mean giving up on talent.
Among the strong men of the Washington Huskies' excellent season, Ja'Lynn Polk shone almost as much as Rome Odunze expected in the top 20. And yet, he remains under the radar despite his service record. With 15 touchdowns in 2 seasons, and more than 1,100 in 2023, he has demonstrated many qualities to attract NFL scouts. Excellent route runner and brilliant in contested receptions, Ja'Lynn Polk could be the missing link in the receiver squad.
Other picks: Brandon Dorlus (DE), T'Vondre Sweat (DL), Junior Colson (LB)
