Grading The Cleveland Browns Offseason: Free Agency Analysis

Tytus Howard (Trade): The Browns traded a 2026 fifth-round pick and signed Tytus Howard to a three-year, $63 million extension. Howard is a massive upgrade over who the Browns had last season. Last season, Howard allowed zero sacks, one hit allowed, and only 21 pressures. The Browns land their RT of the future for only a fifth-round pick.

Zion Johnson (Signing): The first splash of Free Agency for the Browns was signing former first-round pick Zion Johnson. The Browns signed Johnson to a three-year, $49.5 million contract. He has played both guard positions in his career, giving the Browns flexibility with where he plays. At only 26 years old, the Browns hope Johnson can continue to develop into the guard of the future.

Elgton Jenkins (Signing): Another interior offensive line signing the Browns made was bringing in Elgton Jenkins. He was recently released from the Green Bay Packers after struggling to stay on the field with injuries. They are signing him to a two-year, $24 million contract, hoping he can help join a revitalized offensive line the Browns are building. Jenkins looks to be a guard or center for Cleveland, but has experience playing every position on the line.

Teven Jenkins (Re-Signed): One of the few re-signings the Browns made was bringing back guard Teven Jenkins. Jenkins’s role last season was primarily a backup, but he saw some playing time towards the end of the season. Jenkins can start at guard or be a great depth piece, but this was a move the Browns wanted to make. The contract is a one-year, $4 million deal, so it’s fairly cheap for a solid player of Jenkins caliber.

Defensive Additions

Quincy Williams (Signing): The Browns lost Devin Bush to the Bears this offseason and had to replace him somehow. They bring in Quincy Williams, who was an All-Pro not too long ago. They signed Williams to a two-year, $13 million contract, which is a great deal if he can get back on track. The last couple of seasons for Williams have been just okay, but a change of scenery and reunion with former LB’s coach Mike Rutenberg could be just what he needed.

A.J. Epenesa (Signing): One of the more intriguing moves the Browns made was bringing in A.J. Epenesa. The deal is one-year, $5 million, and gives both Epenesa and the Browns a new look at the former second rounder. His role in Buffalo diminished over the last couple of seasons, so being on the opposite side of Myles Garrett could kickstart his career. This signing is most likely a one-year prove it deal, but it should help the Browns’ defensive end situation next season.

Ronnie Hickman ( Re-Signed): A breakout player in 2025 is back in Cleveland for next season. Ronnie Hickman is a former undrafted free agent who made a name for himself over the last couple of seasons. Playing alongside Grant Delpit has been a great tandem for the Browns’ safety unit, and it will stay together for the 2026 season. The contract is “tendered,” and Hickman will make $5.8 million in 2026.

Kalia Davis (Signing): Another move on the defensive line the Browns made was signing Kalia Davis to a one-year deal. Davis is more depth in the interior of the Browns’ defensive line after Shelby Harris was not re-signed. The defensive tackle group now features Mason Graham, Maleik Collins, Mike Hall Jr, and now Davis. This unit should be a strength once again for the Browns in 2026.

End Of My Browns Offseason Rant

The Browns have absolutely gotten better this offseason. The NFL Draft will be crucial to filling the needs they didn’t sign in Free Agency. The #1 focus heading into the Draft should be continuing to upgrade the receiver room and figure out the LT tackle situation. Some insiders and analysts will bring up the idea of drafting another quarterback, but the focus should be elsewhere.

The grade that the Browns should get so far this offseason is in the B/B+ range. They have upgraded the offensive line with experienced veterans, filled holes on defense, and most importantly, kept their draft capital for this upcoming Draft.