Andrew Berry’s offseason plans will start to take shape for the Browns
this week at the NFL Combine. As the football world ascends on Indianapolis, the rumor mill will turn hot and heavy. Before we head to Indy, let’s answer four preliminary questions facing Cleveland in the weeks ahead:
With the announcement of the 2024 Salary Cap how far over the final number are the Browns?
The league’s salary cap is slated to be $255.4 million for next season. The Browns, however, rolled over $30.6 million from this past season as well, bringing their 2024 salary cap to $286 million. That bodes really well for Berry, who has an expensive roster the balance. With all those numbers added up Cleveland will be only $6-8 million over their estimated salary cap. Despite being one of only seven teams over the cap it shouldn’t be difficult for Berry to rework a deal or two and get back under it and have the flexibility to start building for 2024.
Will the Browns pursue Bills free agent Gabe Davis this offseason?
On the heels of the last question comes a name in free agency that has been heavily linked to the Browns already. It makes sense. Davis has proven to be a reliable No. 2 wide receiver in this league with Buffalo. Pairing him with Amari Cooper could help take the offense to another level.
Then again, Cleveland is missing one major trait in its wide receiver room: speed, and Davis doesn’t necessarily have that in his toolbox. In 2023, the fourth-round pick compiled 45 receptions for 746 yards and seven touchdowns. To this point though, his career has been defined by inconsistent feast or famine like performances. That may not make him worth the big pay day he’ll get on the open market, which is maybe the biggest reason I think the Browns look elsewhere – likely to the trade market – to land a WR. Someone will overpay for Davis. It probably won’t be Cleveland.
It’s certainly a possibility. The team didn’t trade Joshua Dobbs prior to last season for nothing. They seem to really like the upside DTR brings and with a year under his belt there should be a pretty reasonable expectation that he’ll be better going into year two.
That said, there’s a reason Joe Flacco remained the team’s starter even after DTR cleared the concussion protocol later in the season. Berry mentioned that the franchise puts a lot of thought into the QB position, calling it a top 30 position on the roster. It’s safe to assume he and his staff will do their due diligence to find a stable option at the position. Of course, there’s always the possibility that they trust the 2023 fifth-round pick to backup Watson, but I get the sense they’ll kick the tires on some veteran options out there before they simply settle for Thompson-Robinson.
Who is one Browns free agent that will definitely be back in 2024 and one who likely won’t be back in 2024?
Fun question here. The Browns have a hefty list of 24 players set to hit unrestricted free agency and bringing them all back is simply impossible.
The cop out answer for who will be back with the team is probably punter, Corey Bojorquez. I would imagine he returns after finishing top five in punts inside the 20. That feels like cheating though so I’ll give you another one; how bout Maurice Hurst. The Michigan product played on the vet minimum last season before landing on the IR with a pectoral injury. Prior to the injury though, Hurst was having a terrific season as a rotational defensive lineman. I’d imagine Berry can bring him back for a pretty reasonable rate again.
As for a player who is probably unlikely to retunr, linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. seems like a pretty safe answer. Seemed like he was hinting at moving on during getaway day last month. Walker Jr. has been an incredible voice in the locker room and he’s done some great work in the community to boot. Still, after seeing a second consecutive season cut short due to injury, it just feels like the Browns will be weary of pursuing a third year with the 28-year-old.
