The Cleveland Browns made a wise, buy-low transfer to start out the brand new league yr once they acquired large receiver Jerry Jeudy in a commerce with the Denver Broncos on Saturday.
For now, Jeudy turns into a one-year rental at a place of want. The Browns had been in search of velocity and expertise at wideout, and in Jeudy they get each at the price of a fifth- and sixth-round choose. Jeudy is below contract for 2024 solely at his assured fifth-year choice variety of $12.9 million.
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Broncos commerce Jerry Jeudy to Browns for 2024 picks
The Browns have been large March spenders previously, and the entrance workplace, led by common supervisor Andrew Berry, all the time has an aggressive mindset. Cleveland is trying to maximize its present roster within the wake of an 11-win 2023 season.
The Jeudy commerce is a bit just like the one the Browns made two years in the past to accumulate large receiver Amari Cooper, though one with a decrease ceiling. Cooper and Jeudy each grew up in South Florida and performed collegiately at Alabama.
Quickly, we’ll start to get a greater really feel for all of Berry’s plans and the Browns’ finances. Over The Cap listed the Browns at simply over $17 million in out there cap area forward of the Jeudy commerce. Trades and signings can formally be processed and groups should be salary-cap compliant on the official begin of the league yr on Wednesday.
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Berry has mentioned the group doesn’t must train its proper to restructure the contract of quarterback Deshaun Watson and create salary-cap area by basically halving his present 2024 cap variety of $63.9 million, however in doing so Cleveland would give itself extra flexibility to pursue top-of-the-market choices and nonetheless retain a few of its personal free brokers. The Jeudy commerce means the Browns nearly need to create extra cap room quickly.
In early March, the Browns restructured present contracts for Professional Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward and left deal with Jedrick Wills Jr., in every case creating round $11 million of 2024 cap area. Although Wills’ contract for the season forward is the absolutely assured fifth-year choice of his rookie deal, the results of the restructure was the identical. Wills stays below contract for 2024 solely, and the Browns added void years to push the cap hits into future seasons.
Right here, we’ll be monitoring all of the strikes within the days and weeks to return with the official begin of the free-agent negotiation interval starting on Monday.
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March 13
Browns land backup TE Giovanni Ricci
After dropping Harrison Bryant to the Raiders, the Browns are including backup tight finish Giovanni Ricci.
Ricci, 27, performed in 36 video games over the past three seasons as a decent finish and fullback for Carolina. He’s a 2020 undrafted free agent who’s largely been used as a blocker and particular groups participant. He has simply 9 profession receptions.
Ricci performed at Loveland Excessive Faculty in Southwest Ohio. He’s the second Southwest Ohio addition the group has made this week; linebacker Jordan Hicks performed at Lakota West Excessive Faculty.
QB Joe Flacco lands in Indianapolis
Flacco was most likely by no means returning to the Browns, and that grew to become obvious once they reached an settlement with Jameis Winston to be their new backup earlier this week.
However at 39, Flacco will play a seventeenth season. ESPN reported Wednesday night that the Colts and Flacco agreed on a one-year deal price a assured $4.5 million and a possible max worth of $8.7 million
Flacco, the NFL’s Comeback Participant of the Yr for his large December in pushing the Browns to the playoffs, will again up second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson. With Deshaun Watson getting back from shoulder surgical procedure, the Browns and Flacco knew a Cleveland reunion was unlikely.
The Colts and Browns don’t play within the 2024 common season.
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TE Harrison Bryant leaving for Raiders
Browns backup tight finish Harrison Bryant has agreed to a one-year cope with the Raiders, ESPN reported.
Bryant was a stable participant for the Browns who made 30 begins over 4 years and usually caught a lot of the passes thrown his manner. He additionally made cameo appearances in 2023 as a short-yardage quarterback. His departure isn’t shocking provided that the Browns are absolutely dedicated to their No. 1 tight finish, David Njoku, and are including to their pass-catching group with the acquisition of large receiver Jerry Jeudy.
Per ESPN, Bryant is getting $3.25 million from the Raiders on a deal that has a most worth of $4 million. It’s honest to imagine that’s increased than Cleveland was going to go.
Bryant turns into the third member of the Browns’ 2020 draft class — the primary below the present Andrew Berry-Kevin Stefanski regime — to conform to a contract with one other group this week. Defensive deal with Jordan Elliott is headed to San Francisco, and middle Nick Harris plans to signal with Seattle.
Backup O-lineman Nick Harris headed to Seattle
Heart Nick Harris has agreed to a one-year cope with the Seahawks, NFL Community reported.
Harris was the Browns’ backup middle for all three seasons he was wholesome. He was in line to start out in 2022 earlier than he suffered a torn ACL within the preseason opener. Harris additionally performed fullback in Cleveland’s jumbo packages and performed in two video games at guard as a rookie.
It’s a homecoming of types in Seattle for Harris, who performed on the College of Washington. Harris appeared in 40 video games for the Browns, who on Tuesday reached an settlement to maintain one other backup inside lineman, Michael Dunn, for 2024.
Browns attain deal to maintain punter Corey Bojorquez
The Browns are bringing Bojorquez again on a two-year deal, a group supply confirmed.
He averaged 49.4 yards per punt in 2023, the second-best mark of his six-year profession. He’s been regular over his two seasons for the Browns, who all the time wished to maintain Bojorquez if doable this offseason.
Cleveland’s particular groups models had been constantly good in 2023 below coordinator Bubba Ventrone. Now the group’s core trio — Bojorquez, kicker Dustin Hopkins and lengthy snapper Charley Hughlett — is ready to return for at the very least yet another season.
March 12
After two D-linemen return, Jordan Elliott departs
The previous Browns defensive deal with is signing a two-year deal in San Francisco, his agent confirmed.
💯💯💯 https://t.co/DgCtQagxxc
— malki kawa (@malkikawa) March 12, 2024
Elliott was a third-round choose in 2020 and a starter the final two seasons, although he was by no means a full-time participant. He was one in all 4 members of the Browns’ 2023 defensive position rotation to hit free company — edge rusher Za’Darius Smith and defensive tackles Maurice Hurst and Shelby Harris have agreed to new offers to stay in Cleveland.
Elliott turns into the primary draftee of Browns common supervisor Andrew Berry to depart the group by way of free company after his rookie contract. Anticipate Cleveland to deal with defensive deal with later in free company and doubtlessly with one in all its second-day picks in subsequent month’s draft.
Browns agree so as to add Hakeem Adeniji as insurance coverage at OT
The Browns are including backup offensive deal with Hakeem Adeniji on a one-year deal, ESPN reported.
Adeniji, 26, was a part-time starter for 3 seasons in Cincinnati and performed in 4 video games as a backup final yr for the Vikings. He performed proper guard and each deal with spots throughout his time with the Bengals.
The Browns’ prime three offensive tackles — Jack Conklin, Wills and Dawand Jones — are all recovering from knee accidents. Conklin is making an attempt to return again from a second torn ACL, and although he’s anticipated again for the 2024 season, he doubtless gained’t be cleared to apply till later this summer time. With harm considerations and each Wills and backup offensive deal with James Hudson solely below contract by 2024, the Browns are keen to offer Adeniji an opportunity to make an impression and maybe earn a roster spot.
Browns conform to re-sign veteran DL Shelby Harris
Veteran defensive deal with Shelby Harris introduced on X that he’ll return to Cleveland in 2024.
A mid-August signing final yr, Harris performed nicely sufficient to grow to be a precedence for the Browns this offseason. He performed in all 17 video games, began seven and was a key a part of an aggressive defensive entrance that grew to become one of many league’s finest. Harris, who can be 33 in August, has 26 profession sacks.
We again child signing again to Cleveland!!! #backtotheland
— Shelby Harris (@ShelbyHarris93) March 12, 2024
Browns conform to re-sign veteran OL Michael Dunn
Veteran offensive lineman Michael Dunn is returning to the Browns on a one-year contract, his agent, David Canter, introduced on X.
Congratulations to @GSEworldwide shopper @MikeDunn4Real on re-signing with @Browns pic.twitter.com/m5lQWx7Bv2
— David Canter (@davidcanter) March 12, 2024
Although Dunn’s most intensive beginning motion has come at left guard, he’s performed as an additional offensive lineman within the group’s jumbo packages and has practiced in any respect 5 line positions. The Browns view Dunn’s versatility as a bonus, and he’s performed in 40 video games since becoming a member of the group in 2020.
Dunn and the Browns’ prime backup middle, Nick Harris, grew to become eligible free of charge company on Monday. Nick Harris stays a free agent, and if he leaves, 2023 draft choose Luke Wypler may transfer up the inside offensive line depth chart.
Browns add expertise, conform to cope with RB Nyheim Hines
The Browns have agreed to phrases with veteran operating again Nyheim Hines on a one-year deal price as much as $3.5 million, ESPN reported.
Hines is a utility participant: a third-down again, return specialist and a change-of-pace participant in a operating again rotation. He had at the very least 40 receptions for 4 straight seasons in Indianapolis, then he performed below new Browns offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey within the again half of the 2022 season in Buffalo. Hines didn’t play final yr after tearing his ACL in a jet ski accident final July.
Assuming he’ll be cleared for coaching camp, Hines will doubtless compete for snaps with third-year Browns operating backs Jerome Ford and Pierre Robust Jr. Hines may be within the combine for the kickoff return and punt return jobs with the Browns, as there’s at present no actual chief for both job. Nick Chubb is slated to be Cleveland’s No. 1 operating again in what’s the ultimate yr of his present deal, however Chubb’s timeline for a return from two main knee surgical procedures stays unsure.
Browns conform to phrases with QB Jameis Winston
Cleveland has its new backup quarterback. Winston reached an settlement with the Browns, per The Athletic’s Jeff Howe, after spending the previous 4 seasons with the New Orleans Saints. The primary general choose in 2015, Winston has thrown 141 landing passes and 99 interceptions all through his nine-year NFL profession.
Meaning the Browns gained’t be bringing Joe Flacco again after he pushed Cleveland to the playoffs in December. The Browns are absolutely tied to Watson as their beginning quarterback given his absolutely assured contract, so this transfer eliminates the opportunity of a sophisticated locker-room dynamic involving Flacco if Watson struggles at any level in the course of the 2024 season.
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March 11
LB motion: Jordan Hicks agrees to deal, Sione Takitaki departs
The Browns’ first exterior addition of this yr’s free-agency class is linebacker Jordan Hicks. Per ESPN, Hicks will be part of the Browns on a two-year deal price as much as $8 million.
The addition of Hicks, who turns 32 this summer time, comes on the identical day former Browns linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. agreed to a one-year cope with Miami and Sione Takitaki agreed to a one-year cope with New England.
Hicks performed below Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz in Philadelphia early in his profession. Now, Hicks doubtless takes on a beginning place and may fill a management function for an skilled Cleveland protection that earlier Monday agreed to offers to carry again veteran defensive lineman Za’Darius Smith and Maurice Hurst.
Walker had signed one-year offers with the Browns in every of the final three offseasons. Takitaki was the final remaining member of the group’s 2019 draft class and performed 2023 on a one-year deal. In some unspecified time in the future later this offseason, the Browns will doubtless transfer to do a contract extension for his or her finest linebacker, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.
Hicks performed 4 seasons with the Eagles, three in Arizona and the final two with the Vikings. He went to highschool at Lakota West in Southwest Ohio and performed collegiately at Texas earlier than being drafted by the Eagles within the third spherical in 2015. He’s began 119 profession video games and has 13 profession interceptions.
Browns conform to re-sign DE Za’Darius Smith
The Browns’ first large transfer of free company was finalizing a brand new deal for defensive finish Za’Darius Smith, a key piece of what was one of many NFL’s finest go rushes final season.
The Browns acquired Smith in a commerce with the Vikings final Could and reworked his contract after the commerce to permit him to hit free company this yr. Smith had 5.5 sacks whereas lining up reverse Myles Garrett, the NFL Defensive Participant of the Yr, within the Browns’ base defensive packages. Per NFL Community, Smith will return on a two-year deal price as much as $25 million.
Although the Browns and Smith agreeing to a brand new deal so shortly is a little bit of a shock, it most likely speaks to Smith being thought of a precedence. Even forward of his age-32 season, Smith is a useful and versatile go rusher who began each recreation the regulars performed for Cleveland final season.
Browns conform to re-sign DT Maurice Hurst
The Browns additionally re-signed defensive deal with Maurice Hurst, a pass-rush specialist whose 2023 season was ended by a December pectoral harm. 4 of the Browns’ prime eight defensive linemen from 2023 hit free company Monday: Smith and Hurst are again, and defensive tackles Jordan Elliott and Shelby Harris stay unsigned.
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Anthony Walker Jr. agrees to cope with Dolphins, Mike Ford to Texans
Per a number of studies, the Browns are dropping linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. to Miami on a one-year deal and cornerback Mike Ford to the Houston Texans on a two-year deal. Although it’s too early within the participant motion to overreact, the losses of Walker and Ford are important from an expertise and management standpoint.
The Browns had been most likely ready to lose Walker, who had been a group captain and productive participant when wholesome. With Walker and fellow linebacker Sione Takitaki hitting free company this month for a second straight yr, the possibilities had been slim that each would return.
Ford was a pleasant discover within the second wave of free company final yr. He was one of many Browns’ prime particular groups gamers in 2023 and in addition performed in 11 video games on protection.
Issues to know
Anticipated normal restructure: QB Deshaun Watson
Anticipated pay minimize/restructure: RB Nick Chubb
Potential restructure candidates: WR Amari Cooper (one yr left), OT Jack Conklin (three years left)
Potential extension candidates: LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, DE Myles Garrett, CB Greg Newsome II, OT Jedrick Wills Jr. (although the restructure signifies no extension is imminent)
Potential minimize candidates: TE Jordan Akins, OL Drew Forbes
Notable free brokers: RB Kareem Hunt, WR James Proche, T Geron Christian
(Picture of Jameis Winston: Stephen Maturen / Getty Photographs)