The bad news is the Browns lost to the Steelers. The good news in the season is finally over and Joe Woods is out of a job. The game yesterday summed up the 2022 season perfectly. They were beat by an average quarterback, again. So now the focus turns to hiring a new defensive coordinator, resigning players and restructuring contracts to create cap room.
There are reports the Browns have asked permission to interview New England linebackers coach Jerod Mayo and Steelers linebackers coach Brian Flores. They’re the hot names right now and I think either would be a great move.
I hope the Browns try and resign linebacker Reggie Ragland; this group needs a big run stopping presence. Other names to watch are linebacker Deion Jones, center Ethan Pocic and running back D’Ernest Johnson. Pocic will be able to get starter money somewhere else but might want to resign with a team friendly deal. The number one priority this off-season is fixing the defensive tackle position and finding a speedy wide receiver. I think the Anthony Schwartz experiment is over.
Today the 2023 opponents were announced. Home: Ravens, Bengals, Steelers, Bears, Cardinals, 49ers, Titans, Jaguars and Jets. Away: Ravens, Bengals, Steelers, Broncos, Texans, Colts, Seahawks and Rams. A last place schedule is much neede right now, it benefited the Ravens this year. Time and dates should be announced around the time of the draft.
As for the Salary cap, the Browns will have about $31 million to rollover into 2023, which added to the $2 million in contracts for 2023 will give the Browns $32 million. I do expect the Browns to restructure both Amari Cooper and Deshaun Watson’s contracts.
Important dates for 2023: Feb. 21-March 7 teams may use the franchise or transition tag on impending unrestricted free agents. Feb. 28-March 6 Scouting Combine. March 13-March 15 early free agency period. March 15 (prior to 4:00pm eastern) every team has to be under the 2023 salary cap. March 15 (after 4:00 pm eastern) the new league begins.
Finally, Assistant GM Glenn Cook is interviewing for the vacant Titans GM position. If he’s hired the Browns will receive two second round compensatory picks. One this year and one in 2024. Stay safe and as always Go Browns.