2023 was a memorable season in more ways than one for the Cleveland Browns. Now, as the team dives head first into the offseason, general manager Andrew Berry is tasked with putting together a roster that can replicate the successes of this past season next fall.
That's easier said than done, especially with a long list of free agents to be from last year's roster to sort through. One such player in that category is defensive tackle Maurice Hurst , who signed a one-year deal with Cleveland last offseason. Hurst rewarded the Browns with a productive campaign that could have turned into a career year if not for a pectoral injury forcing him to the injured reserve in Week 15.
As he gets ready to reenter the free agent pool in about two months, he's hopeful Cleveland can become a more permanent situation.
"[Cleveland] is definitely a special spot," Hurst said at the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards, Tuesday. "I've been lucky to be at a few great spots. Being here with the guys that we have, and the room that we have and the coaches that we have, it's really something that you can tell we're building. We could be the team that wins it all at some point."
Prior to the injury, Hurst had amassed 22 total tackles, including four for a loss and one and a half sacks. He also batted down three passes. The Michigan product provided one of the highlights of the season, snagging one of the most acrobatic interceptions a defensive tackle has ever made against the Seahawks in Week 8. Even thought the Browns ultimately lost that game, the play stands out as one of the most memorable of the year.
Togetherness was a common theme throughout the season, especially on defense where the Browns went from one of the worst in football in 2022 to one of the top units in the game, thanks in large part to additions like Hurst. He was one of a number of new faces brought in to make over the defensive line and blossomed in defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz' system.
"Developing a team, having that core, you can tell we have the right foundation to keep building and elevate our play from this year to next year" Hurst said. "It's just an emphasis on bringing in the right guys, that are made of the right stuff. Guys that don't really complain, guys that show up to work everyday, guys that aren't selfish but want everyone else to succeed.
"...I'm just excited to see what it's gonna be like from this season going into the next one."
As far as the injury is concerned, Hurst made it known that he's able to have full range of motion with his upper body and arms following the ailment. Phase two of his recovery is about building the pectoral back up to full strength, but he expects to be ready by the time spring workouts roll around. Time will tell if he'll be with the Browns went the offseason program opens up in a few short months.
"Definitely a discussion is in the air about returning," the 28-year-old said. "Then it's just trying to see how things play out these next couple months. See how things fall, see what their draft plans are, what their free agency plans are, see where the money's at. It's just a group of things they have to go through upstairs. ... Could sign today, could sign next month, could not sign. It's just one of those things where you just wait it out and see what happens, hope for the best scenario."
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