Browns free agency: One player Cleveland ‘should pursue’ in 2024 offseason

NFL free agency revolves around big names, big money, and big headlines. Rarely do athletes enter free agency without a compelling explanation why their old team did not keep them sooner. Injuries, age, performance, attitude, or adapting to a new routine can all contribute.

Other times, the NFL salary cap is a factor.

This summer, the Cleveland Browns have a big number of free agents but few top-tier ones. Fortunately, Browns GM Andrew Berry has a lot of salary cap room to make moves in free agency if he wants to.

While Cleveland supporters dream of WR Tee Higgins, DT Chris Jones, and DE Josh Allen, Pro Football Focus believes the Browns should sign a player a little lower on the free agent list:

As the Browns attempt to move forward in 2024, acquiring a man who can win downfield would be wise. Brown was once again sidelined by injuries in 2023, possibly indicating that he is likely to accept a one-year, prove-it contract, although he has made plays downfield throughout his NFL career. This season, he has six receptions for passes thrown 20 yards or more downfield, totaling 175 yards and a touchdown.

This Marquise might replace WR Marquise Goodwin as Cleveland’s deep threat, but as previously stated, he has battled with injuries. Brown caught 51 catches for 574 yards in 2023 for the Arizona Cardinals, who used a variety of quarterbacks to throw to him.

Brown’s best season came in 2021 with the Baltimore Ravens, when he caught 91 passes for 1,008 yards.

PFF ranks Brown as the 17th-best free agent in this year’s class, indicating a lack of depth. They anticipate Brown’s contract at one year and $12 million in 2024. WR Gabe Davis has the same projection, while Odell Beckham Jr., Tyler Boyd, DJ Chark, and Michael Thomas have lower projected yearly averages.