Where Browns Biggest Remaining Free Agents Could End Up

There are still a number of free agents available, including a handful that were with the Cleveland Browns last season. With news that free agent running back Kareem Hunt has been linked to the Washington Commanders, it's a good opportunity to look at where the two most notable Browns free agents could land.

There are a few connections Hunt has in Washington. He played for Eric Bieniemy when the two were with the Kansas City Chiefs and Hunt had a breakout rookie season. Jacoby Brissett is also with the Commanders as he looks to compete with Sam Howell for the starting job this year.

If Hunt does end up in Washington, it's a clear indication of how the league views him. The Commanders have a talented pair of running backs in Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson. The two combined for 1,756 total yards in 2022. Their efficiency running the ball was poor, but that's an indictment of their offensive line rather than Robinson and Gibson. Hunt would be the third string back if he ends up there likely on a minimum contract with some incentives in case one of an injury or he finds a niche as a goal line threat.

Unfortunately for Hunt, Dalvin Cook, Ezekiel Elliott, Leonard Fournette and James Robinson are among the backs who are also free agents. Combined with the worst year of his career, the prospects aren't great for Hunt unless he can find himself on a team that is willing to use three backs. Washington may be his best bet.

DL Jadeveon Clowney

Projection: Baltimore Ravens

As is so often the case, Clowney is available and looking for a team in June. Even though he's coming off a poor season, there are teams willing to bet on his talent. They just may not be willing to pay as much for it as he's gotten in the past.

The Ravens have enough cap space to offer a modest one-year deal to Clowney and they desperately need credible edge help. They may have high hopes for David Ojabo, who is now healthy after recovering from a torn Achilles', but they are still waiting for Odafe Oweh to break through. Oweh and Tyus Bowser combined for just five sacks last year.

The Ravens could simply re-sign Justin Houston, who produced 9.5 sacks last year at 33 years old, but as effective as he was, he only played 374 snaps. They continue to stand out as a team that might be inclined to pursue a trade for Chase Young from the Commanders if the asking price is realistic.

The Ravens intend to compete for the division and their edge position is easily the weakest spot on the team, which is why they might be willing to pay more than most for Young, but if that doesn't happen, what the Ravens really need is snaps and the ability to contribute on run downs. Clowney can certainly do that, which would then allow Ojabo to be more focused on rushing the passer. Clowney's ability to kick inside could prove valuable when they utilize sub packages and want to get faster to attack the quarterback.

The Ravens may be the last best hope for Clowney to play for a team that wants to contend and can pay him. As a bonus, he gets to continue lying to himself as he seeks revenge against the team he wants people to believe wronged him twice.

S John Johnson III

Projection: Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers still have not filled the vacancy left by Nasir Adderley, who opted to retire. Their defense utilizes split-high safeties which is a good fit for Johnson playing alongside Derwin James and Alohi Gilman. Their defense is largely set, so the Chargers may do a better job of playing Johnson to his strengths and taking advantage of his versatility than the Browns did.

So what's the holdup? The Chargers still need to find a resolution with running back Austin Ekeler. In the final year of his deal, Ekeler is only slated to earn $7.75 million. That's less than tight end Gerald Everett. Ekeler had 772 receiving yards and five touchdowns compared to Everrett's 555 yards and four touchdowns this past season. That's in addition to the 915 yards and 13 touchdowns Ekeler produced on the ground.

Until the Chargers know how much they are committing to Ekeler, they won't know how much they have as they prepare to extend quarterback Justin Herbert, which may be their next priority. All of that impacts how much they have for players like Johnson. The Chargers and Johnson may have already worked out the broad strokes on a contract, but the front office needs to figure out how they plan to account it on the salary cap before they can put pen to paper.

Johnson has a great opportunity to bounce back with the Chargers defense if that unit can stay healthy. In the right situation, he's better than what he showed for the Browns the last two seasons.