Naming the Cleveland Browns' biggest losers from the first week of NFL free agency

The big moments of free agency are over and many teams already can’t wait for the draft.

While there are still players to be had, the big splashes of free agency are over and teams will be filling out depth more than anything.

For the Cleveland Browns, things were quite active and they added a few players to the roster while re-signing others. With some of the signings, there will be after-effects that linger throughout the roster.

Let’s dig in on three of the biggest “losers” from the free agency period so far.

RB Pierre Strong Jr.

Strong was the No. 3 running back for the Browns last year after coming over from the New England Patriots. He had limited touches and was a kick return specialist at times for the team. Now, you have to wonder what his post on the team is after the Browns signed Nyheim Hines.

Hines is a better return man and recovering threat than Strong, which means he is likely more valuable than what the Browns need from their third option. Neither guy has been much between the tackles, so that could lead the Browns to drafting another running back as well.

I believe Strong has a hard time making the 53-man in August.

QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson

As a rookie, Thompson-Robinson came in and beat our Joshua Dobbs for the backup role last training camp. He lost that gig after his first start a few weeks into the season against the Baltimore Ravens when he simply did not look ready.

Jameis Winston isn’t being brought in to be the No. 3 guy, so DTR is the third guy in the room now at best. The Browns signed Tyler Huntley as well, so Thompson-Robinson won’t be able to get comfortable either.

Perhaps one day DTR can be the proven backup but that hasn’t come yet and the Browns told us that in free agency.

DE Alex Wright

Wright had a really nice season last year that had some wondering if he would take over for Za’Darius Smith in 2024. Alas, Smith was brought back for two seasons so that is not in the plans.

After having five sacks last season with zero as a rookie, Wright is an intriguing depth option for Cleveland. He’s going to need to continue rounding out his game and his chance to be the guy will eventually be there.