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NFL free agency is off and running, and we're keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2024 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The new league year begins Wednesday, which means free agent signings can be made official after that. The first round of the 2024 NFL draft begins April 25 on ESPN.
Here's a breakdown of every 2024 NFL free agent signing by the Cleveland Browns and how each will impact the upcoming season:
Jameis Winston, QB
Winston agreed to a one-year deal with $4 million guaranteed, a $2.79 million signing bonus, $1.21 million base and up to $4.7 million available in incentives.
What it means: The Browns interestingly chose Winston over Joe Flacco to be Deshaun Watson's backup, even though Flacco went 4-1 to end the 2023 regular season as the Browns clinched their first playoff berth since 2020. Winston is nine years younger. But Flacco was a fan favorite who demonstrated he could thrive with head coach Kevin Stefanski. Browns general manager Andrew Berry said he wasn't concerned that a Flacco return might amp up the pressure on Watson going into a critical third season. If Watson had continued to struggle out of the gate, would the fan base have clamored for Flacco? That's one thing Watson or Berry won't have to worry about now.
What's the risk: Is Winston an upgrade or downgrade over Flacco? Flacco led the league with 323 passing yards per game in his five regular-season starts with the Browns. Winston has just 10 starts combined since 2019, the season he threw 33 TDs and 30 INTs in his final year in Tampa Bay. Watson couldn't stay healthy last year. If he gets banged up again, Cleveland's season could hinge on whether Winston can match what Flacco accomplished last season.
Za'Darius Smith, DE
Smith agreed to a two-year deal to return to the Browns on Monday.
What it means: Smith played a key role on a Cleveland defense that ranked No. 1 in the league during the regular season. He returns to anchor the end spot opposite NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett. Smith's power and versatility allowed the Browns to frequently deploy three defensive ends alongside defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson. The Browns were at their best in these sets, especially on third down, as Cleveland led the league in three-and-out stop rate. Smith only had 5.5 sacks last year. But he was durable, appearing in 16 games.
What's the risk: Smith didn't have many flashy plays last year, and now will be entering his age 32 season. He did have a pass rush win rate of 22.1%, which ranked 17th in the league among edge defenders, suggesting sacks didn't tell the story of his impact. But this deal feels similar to one the Browns gave Jadeveon Clowney after a banner 2021 season on a one-year deal. Clowney re-signed but couldn't replicate his production and grew disenchanted. Smith was a welcomed locker room presence last year. But the Browns are banking that with this deal, Smith can bridge the gap until one of Cleveland's younger ends, like Alex Wright, can grow into a legit No. 2 pass rusher.
Jordan Hicks, LB
The former Viking is signing a two-year, $8 million deal with the Browns, a source tells Adam Schefter.
What it means: Hicks, who played his high school ball in Ohio (Lakota West), comes back to the Buckeye State to replace Anthony Walker Jr. as Cleveland's veteran inside linebacker (Walker signed with the Miami Dolphins). Hicks has had 100-plus tackles in five straight seasons playing for the Arizona Cardinals and Vikings. Presumably, he will fill the leadership role that Walker did inside the Cleveland locker room, too. Walker had repeatedly been voted a captain in Cleveland. It wouldn't be a surprise for Hicks, who was a captain in Minnesota, to earn that title with the Browns.
What's the risk: Hicks will be 32 this summer. He played in every regular-season game over four seasons before suffering compartment syndrome (a freak buildup of pressure in the muscles caused by internal bleeding or swollen tissue) of the leg. Hicks had to undergo emergency surgery and missed four games. Like the Browns were at the beginning of Walker's tenure, they will be heavily reliant on Hicks, especially with Walker's 2023 backup, Sione Takitaki, leaving for the New England Patriots.
Tyler Huntley, QB
Huntley is joining the Browns on a one-year deal worth the veteran's minimum, a source confirms.
What it means: The Browns already had Deshaun Watson and Dorian Thompson-Robinson coming back. Then they signed Winston to be Watson's backup. The Browns have said that Watson will be healthy enough to begin throwing this spring, but they are in no hurry to rush him all the way back. The Browns could go to training camp with all four quarterbacks and figure it out then. At least they have depth at the position, which wasn't always the case last season.
What's the risk: Where exactly does Huntley fit in on the depth chart? Could the Browns extract draft value from either him or Winston down the road? Possibly. For now, there's little risk in bringing in another quarterback, especially considering Huntley is signing for the vet minimum. But it's hard to see the Browns keeping all four quarterbacks into the season.
Corey Bojorquez, P
The Browns extended Bojorquez for two years.
What it means: Cleveland's special teams were much improved last season and Bojorquez's big leg was a big reason why. In December, his 75-yard punt was the NFL's second-longest of the season, and it was the longest that didn't result in a touchback. Bojorquez was a weapon for the defense, too, often swinging field position and pinning opponents deep. The combination of him and kicker Dustin Hopkins should give Cleveland one of the top punting-kicking duos in the league again in 2024.
What's the risk: Bojorquez suffered a quad injury late in the season, which caused him to miss a game. But it's difficult to see any risk in bringing Bojorquez back. He was one of the top punters in the league last season and is only 27 years old.
Maurice Hurst II, DT
Hurst is returning to the team on a one-year deal.
What it means: After arriving on a one-year deal last offseason, Hurst became a key rotation player on the interior of the defensive line. Splitting time with Jordan Elliott and starter Dalvin Tomlinson, Hurst finished with 22 tackles, including four for loss. He also had one of the defensive plays of the year for the Browns, tipping a pass before diving for the interception on Oct. 29 against the Seattle Seahawks. With rookie DT Siaki Ika failing to make an impact last season, re-signing a proven player like Hurst became a priority.
What's the risk: Hurst has battled injuries throughout his career and then he suffered a season-ending pectoral injury in December. Before last season, Hurst had played in only 13 games from 2020-2022 due to injuries. Now, he's coming off another and will be depended on even more than he was going into last season.
D'Onta Foreman, RB
What it means: The Browns needed to bolster the running game room while Nick Chubb rehabs from multiple knee surgeries. Foreman would seemingly be the perfect bridge rusher, capable of churning out tough yards between the tackles. At least until Chubb returns, Foreman will flank Jerome Ford in the Browns backfield and give Cleveland a powerful, short-yardage back.
What's the risk: Foreman only averaged 3.9 yards per carry last season in Chicago. So he's not coming off his best year. But before that, he averaged 4.5 yards per carry in Carolina, taking over in the Panthers backfield after the team traded Christian McCaffrey to San Francisco. He averaged 4.3 yards per carry in two seasons in Tennessee prior to that. He's had some injury issues, and also didn't impress the team that drafted him in Houston, which waved him in his second year. But Foreman seems to have grown over his career.
Nyheim Hines, RB
The former Buffalo Bill is signing a one-year deal up to $3.5 million, a source tells Adam Schefter.
What it means: With Chubb unlikely to be healthy for the start of next season, the Browns needed to add another running back. Hines himself is coming off a season-ending knee injury suffered from a jet ski accident. But before that, he was a productive all-purpose back for the Indianapolis Colts before being traded to Buffalo during the 2022 season. That year, Hines had 30 receptions while returning punts and kicks. Hines could factor into the return game for Cleveland while giving the Browns a third-down option.
What's the risk: The Browns already had a third-down RB coming back in Pierre Strong Jr., so Hines' impact could be limited to mostly special teams, at least after Chubb comes back. Of course, it's unclear what kind of player Chubb will be coming off the knee injury. But Hines had only 24 rushes total during the 2022 season and none in 2023. His impact will likely be in the passing game.
Quinton Jefferson, DT
Jefferson has signed a one-year deal with the Browns.
What it means: The Browns needed help at defensive tackle with the departure of Jordan Elliott, a long-time rotation DT who signed with the 49ers earlier this week. Jefferson has 62 career starts, including 14 for the Jets last season. Browns general manager Andrew Berry has had success signing defensive veterans to one-year deals in the past. He's banking that Jefferson will be the next to fit the mold. Jefferson will probably slot in behind Maurice Hurst as a third-down interior rusher. He'll also be insurance for Hurst, who is coming off a season-ending pectoral injury and has battled injuries throughout his career.
What's the risk: The Browns are suddenly looking pretty old up front. Jefferson turns 31 later this month. Dalvin Tomlinson is 30. Za'Darius Smith will be 32 next season. Hurst will be 29 later this spring and has been injury prone. The Browns will also be leaning on soon-to-be 32-year-old linebacker Jordan Hicks. Not that it needs mentioning again, but Cleveland's window to win is now.
Cade York, K
What it means: The Browns are hoping to revive the career of York, whom Cleveland selected in the fourth round of the 2022 draft. After making a 58-yard, game-winning field goal in his career debut, York struggled the rest of his rookie season. He continued to struggle in training camp last year and was released before the season. York was picked up by Tennessee, then the New York Giants, but remained on practice squads and never kicked in a game.
What's the risk: The Browns still have Dustin Hopkins, who had a terrific first season in Cleveland despite battling injury late in the year. The Browns believe in York's talent. If they can get his mind and technique right again, they could re-develop him into becoming Hopkins' successor down the line. If not, at least they gave it another shot.
Rodney McLeod, S
What it means: McLeod was a valued locker room leader before suffering a season-ending torn bicep last November. Bringing him back as a veteran third or fourth safety makes sense, given how well he played in moments last year for a defense that ranked No. 1 during the regular season.
What's the risk: It will be interesting to see what McLeod, who turns 34 this summer, looks like coming off the injury. What does he have left in the tank? The Browns struggled with safety depth late in the year. Pending what Cleveland does in the draft, the Browns may need McLeod to play key snaps again in 2024.
Hakeem Adeniji, OT
The former Viking is signing a one-year deal with the Browns.
What it means: With Jedrick Wills Jr., Dawand Jones and Jack Conklin all coming off season-ending knee injuries, the Browns had a need for another offensive tackle. Adeniji has 15 career starts over four seasons and can serve as a swing or depth tackle. Adeniji also has experience at guard, so he could give the Browns offensive line depth versatility.
What's the risk: Adeniji was inactive or on the practice squad a lot last year for Minnesota and appeared in only four games. He also only has one start since the 2021 season. If the Browns have any further injuries to their tackles, they could be relying on a player who hasn't seen much time in recent seasons.
Devin Bush, LB
The former Seahawk is signing a one-year deal.
What it means: The Browns have turned over their linebacker rotation, replacing Anthony Walker and Sione Takitaki with Jordan Hicks and now Bush. A former top-10 pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019, Bush has struggled since tearing his ACL against the Browns his second season. He did start three games for the Seahawks last year after Pittsburgh declined to pick up his fifth-year option. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz will try to utilize Bush's former potential.
What's the risk: Bush didn't make much of an impact in Seattle and was repeatedly a healthy scratch. But late in the year he did make two starts and had 18 tackles against his former team, the Steelers. The Browns could afford to take a swing on Bush, because of their earlier signing of Hicks, a more reliable player and the projected starter inside.
Shelby Harris, DT
What it means: Harris played a key depth role on the interior of the Cleveland defensive line last season and will be back to do the same again. With the Browns also bringing back Za'Darius Smith and Hurst, Cleveland's defensive front will largely be the same as last season. That's not necessarily a bad thing. The Browns ranked No. 1 in defensive efficiency during the regular season, and an improved run front was a big part of that.
What's the risk: The Browns had their eye on a big-time DT free agent like Christian Wilkins. Instead, Wilkins -- and others -- signed elsewhere, leaving Cleveland, for now at least, to settle for bringing back its defensive line from last year. Harris will be 33 next season, though he did have 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble and six tackles for loss last season.
James Proche II, WR
Proche is signing with the Browns on a one-year deal.
What it means: The Browns picked up Proche midway through last season and he took over returning punts after Donovan Peoples-Jones was dealt to Detroit. Proche had 197 punt return yards on 22 attempts and will compete to hold on to that role next season.
What's the risk: Cleveland also signed Hines, who was a prolific kick and punt returner before suffering a season-ending injury off a jet ski last offseason. Hines could help at running back, but his bread and butter is in the return game. If Proche can't win a return role, he really doesn't have a place on the roster.
Michael Dunn, OG
What it means: Dunn has long been a reliable backup guard for the Browns and will stay in that role for at least another season. Pro Bowl left guard Joel Bitonio battled various injuries last year, and Pro Bowl right guard Wyatt Teller has missed time with calf strains in the past. Dunn remains Cleveland's top true backup guard on the roster.
What's the risk: The Browns have a young center in Luke Wypler, who is getting time at guard as well. But otherwise, they don't have another guard they've drafted on the roster. Dunn can man the job for the time being. But the Browns will need to take a look at guard potentially in this upcoming draft.
Giovanni Ricci, TE
Ricci has signed a one-year deal with Cleveland.
What it means: Ricci, a native of Loveland, Ohio, comes back to the Buckeye State, presumably to compete for a role similar to the one former Browns TE Harrison Bryant held last year (Bryant left Cleveland for the Raiders). Ricci, formerly an undrafted free agent, has just nine career receptions and wasn't tendered by the Panthers. Ricci's original position is fullback, potentially giving the Browns versatility.
What's the risk: Bryant is a far better pass-catcher (89 career receptions), suggesting the Browns might not be done at tight end. Ricci was basically a blocker for the Panthers. He played only five games due to injury last season. If he's going to make the Browns, it's going to be because of his play on special teams.
Tony Brown, CB
The former Colt is signing a one-year deal.
What it means: The Browns need special teams help after losing Mike Ford in free agency to the Houston Texans. Brown and Cleveland special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone have familiarity from their time in Indy together.
What's the risk: Ford was a key special teams player who actually contributed at cornerback, as well. The Browns will hope that Brown can fill a similar role. Ford, who signed a two-year, $4.5 million deal with the Texans, was too expensive for the cap-strapped Browns to match.
Justin Hardee, CB
The former Jet has signed a contract, but no terms were disclosed.
What it means: The Browns added a standout special teams ace, a 2022 Pro Bowler who helped beat Cleveland two years ago in a stunning Jets comeback. Hardee recovered the onside kick that set up Joe Flacco's game-winning touchdown pass. Hardee, who went to high school in Cleveland, should give the Browns' special teams a major boost as a proven, play-making gunner.
What's the risk: Hardee probably won't give the Browns much outside of special teams. So he'll have to make his mark there.
Brian Allen, C
The former Ram has agreed to terms.
What it means: The Browns found experienced depth behind starter Ethan Pocic. Allen has started 32 games since entering the NFL in 2018 and started in all but one game for the Rams during their Super Bowl run in 2021. The signing could allow Luke Wypler, who started one game at center as a rookie last season, to spend more time at guard in 2024.
What's the risk: Allen has dealt with injuries and then was unable to regain his starting spot after losing it to Coleman Shelton in the 2023 season. He has started just seven games since the Super Bowl run with Los Angeles.
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