INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 16: Indianapolis Colts cornerback Pierre Desir (35) knocks the ball away from Dallas Cowboys tight end Blake Jarwin (89) during the NFL game between the Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys on December 16, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Cleveland Browns find themselves full of optimism heading into the 2019 season, but which free agents could help turn their playoff dreams into a reality?
Attention all joke writers: the Cleveland Browns have officially removed themselves from consideration as the laughingstock of the NFL following the 2018 season.
Despite plenty of coaching drama, it’s hard to argue with the fact that the Cleveland Browns’ 2018 season gives fans plenty of reason for optimism going forward. Their number one overall pick, Baker Mayfield, looks like the franchise quarterback the organization has been so desperately lacking and with a number of up-and-coming young stars surrounding him, the Browns are legitimate playoff contenders for 2019.
Under the guidance of new head coach Freddie Kitchens, the Browns figure to take another step forward next season but there is still plenty of work to be done. General manager John Dorsey has stocked the roster with young talent over the last two drafts and now must continue to build a supporting cast that gives the club a shot to compete for an AFC North title next season.
Per the great Over The Cap, the Browns head into 2019 with about $52 million in cap space, another huge reason why they will have the flexibility to make their roster even better for next season. They are still several years away from needing to lock up young stars like Myles Garrett, Baker Mayfield and Denzel Ward, so investing in the right free agents will be key to maximizing the opportunity in their contention window.
John Dorsey has stated in the past that he wants to primarily build his team through the draft, so despite several big name free agents on the market, I think it’s unlikely that they’ll go on a major spending spree.
So while there are still plenty of ways the Browns could go about solidifying their roster, here are five free agents who could fit their plans perfectly.