As the Cleveland Browns look to get back into postseason contention in 2023, they have gotten off on the right foot with their approach to NFL free agency. And The Athletic’s Mike Sando gives a peek behind the curtain as well, gathering quotes from NFL executives on what they think of each team’s offseason thus far.
According to Sando, one executive had this to say on the signing of Dalvin Tomlinson:
“I think they paid the Cleveland Tax, a cost of doing business when you are not an attractive destination… You are not paying for third-down value with Dalvin, but you look at the picks Cleveland has left, it is hard to find a defensive tackle in this year’s draft, so I understand why they did it, especially in that division.”
Speaking to another executive, the trade for wide receiver Elijah Moore, however, has turned heads in a good way:
“I love Cleveland, back-to-back years with Elijah and Amari Cooper, getting premium positions, taking advantage of situations where they were able to get them at a discount… If Deshaun can get back to what he was in Houston, that is a sneaky, dangerous team.”
Plugging necessary holes, and doing so at value, the Browns have earned praise and understanding around the league. But will it play out positively on the field?