With free agency set to begin next week, will defensive end Za’Darius Smith and quarterback Joe Flacco return to the Cleveland Browns?
Looking to keep their roster competitive again in 2024, the Browns will be active this offseason on the trade market and in free agency. Last year, they were able to go out and get defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, wide receiver Elijah Moore, defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo, Smith, and more. They were also able to retain their own talent with names like center Ethan Pocic, linebackers Anthony Walker Jr. and Sione Takitaki, and backup guard Michael Dunn all returning a year ago.
What kind of damage can the Browns do in free agency this offseason? More importantly, how many of their own free agents will they be able to bring back as well?
Let’s play “stay or go” for all 26 pending free agents set to hit the market next week. How many will the Browns bring back in 2024? Will Smith and Flacco be among them?
DE Za'Darius Smith: Stay
The Browns want Smith back, and if they made it work with Jadeveon Clowney on a one-year, $10 million deal, then they can make it work here as well.
QB Joe Flacco: Stay
Steam is building for Flacco to return to Cleveland in 2024.
DT Maurice Hurst: Stay
Coming off of an injury, the Browns will be able to sign Hurst to a minimum deal once again. He’s a valuable rotational piece who loves Cleveland.
DT Shelby Harris: Stay
Harris is nearing the end of his career. Why not go out playing next to Myles Garrett and with defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz?
TE Harrison Bryant: Go
Bryant will continue to be TE3 at best for the Browns and could find greener pastures out there. The Browns can replace him for just the price of a Day 3 pick as well.
WR Marquise Goodwin: Go
Due to his injury history and sickle cell complications, Goodwin could be closer to retirement than signing with another team.
DT Jordan Elliott: Go
After four years together, it’s probably best for both sides to partake in a divorce.
P Corey Bojorquez: Stay
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
WR Jakeem Grant: Go
Playing just one down of football in a Browns uniform, the back-to-back season-ending injuries are not overcomable.
CB Mike Ford: Stay
He’s a valuable special teamer who will come cheap. Ford will be back.
LB Matthew Adams: Stay
See above.
RB Kareem Hunt: Go
Hunt will be remembered fondly in Cleveland, but there is no juice left in those legs.
S Rodney McLeod: Go
A season-ending injury late in the year for an aging vet is a hard thing to come back from.
LB Jordan Kunaszyk: Stay
Like Adams and Ford, Kunaszyk is a cheap special teamer. The trick is finding a way to keep him off the field defensively.
LB Anthony Walker Jr.: Go
After three years, it’s clear the injuries have zapped the play of Walker Jr. It’s time to move on.
S Duron Harmon: Go
Brought in due to injuries, the Browns have no real need to bring Harmon back.
QB Jeff Driskel: Go
Next.
LB Jacob Phillips: Go
After four years and four season-ending injuries, it’s time to move on from Phillips.
LT Geron Christian: Go
If the Browns find themselves in need of Geron Christian again then there are some bigger underlying issues.
WR James Proche II
A returner in a pinch this past season, it would be surprising to see Proche back.
LB Sione Takitaki: Stay
Cleveland’s starting SAM linebacker, it’s hard to find a more consistent player than Takitaki.
QB P.J. Walker: Stay
Don’t be shocked if Walker lands back on the practice squad next year.
OG Michael Dunn: Stay
Every year Michael Dunn hits the market and every year Michael Dunn returns.
FB/C Nick Harris: Go
The selection of Luke Wypler a year ago seemed to paint the picture of Harris’ future in Cleveland.
DE Sam Kamara (ERFA): Stay
As an exclusive rights free agent, the Browns can bring back Kamara for cheap. He’s been a mainstay on their practice squad.
OT Ty Nsekhe (SFA): Go
Another guy brought into the building due to injuries, it would be odd for the Browns to bring back a 39-year-old offensive tackle who suffered a season-ending injury.
