After a very productive first week of free agency, this Browns fan is feeling pretty good. If you’re a Browns fan, I know what you’re going to say next, “we drank that kool aid last year and did you see what we ended up with?” This is different. First of all, the front office is consulting the coaching staff on free agency signings. Do you think John Dorsey did that? Well, I wouldn’t have consulted with anyone on Freddie Kitchens staff, except maybe ST coach Mike Priefer. Second, Andrew Berry is being very smart in these signings. When the legal tampering period started on Monday, Browns twitter was really starting to panic. Then after an hour, the news came about TE Austin Hooper, the best free agent TE in this years crop had agreed to sign with the Browns. As you know, Hooper has been on my wish list for quite a while. Last year the Vikings offense under Kevin Stefanski ran a two TE offense over 57% of the time, most in the NFL. Imagine Hooper and Njoku as the two tight ends in the new wide zone offense.
After securing Hooper, Berry pulled off what I thought was impossible, signing the best OT in free agency, Jack Conklin. I never saw this one coming, even after the experts were saying it was between Cleveland and the Jets. Come to find out, Conklin wanted to sign with Cleveland all along. Then shortly after, the Browns got their experienced back up QB in Case Keenum. Not only does Keenum add experience in the QB room, but he also knows Stefanski’s offense well enough to win as the QB. So after day one, everyone was saying, the Browns have spent a lot of cap money on three guys and that will pretty much do it for signings. Not so fast my friend. All these contracts are back loaded. So, using Conklin as an example, minus his signing bonus which doesn’t count against the cap, the Browns are paying him 8 million for 2020, 13 million for 2021 and 14 million for 2022. Not bad right? They also used something called “cash flow” for cap savings. Now as an accountant, my next quest will be to figure out what the hell cash flow is and I will, because now I’m intrigued.
On day two, the front office played it safe and let the other teams over spend on free agents. The only move the Browns made was to trade with Denver for FB Andy Janovich. A fullback, a real fullback, the fifth best fullback according to Pro Football Focus. And it only cost a 2021 seventh round draft pick. Nothing gets Browns fans more excited, besides winning, than a fullback. Janovich can run block, pass block, catch passes and is a great special team player. Be still my beating heart. After this move the excitement on Browns twitter calmed down when everyone noticed no defensive players had been signed. “How about a safety or a linebacker?” Browns twitter asked. After day two, Berry again did the smart thing, signed a bunch of players to one year prove it deals. This included LB B.J. Goodson, S Karl Joseph, DT Andrew Billings, PR-WR JoJo Natson, CB Kevin Johnson, S Andrew Sendejo and CB Donovan Olumba.
Joseph and Johnson are former 1st round draft picks. Joseph is an in the box safety and Johnson will probably be the Browns new slot DB. Goodson, while not playing the pass very well, graded better than Schobert against the run. The signing of Andrew Billings really surprised me, this guy will put a ton of pressure on Larry Ogunjobi for playing time. He’s that good. Sendejo is a veteran safety who is like a quarterback for the defense and he’s very familiar with Joe Woods defense. Olumba is a special teamer, but he is a tall corner, 6-2, 200 lbs, and DC Joe Woods likes tall corners. And last but not least, a return guy, JoJo Natson. OMG a real kick returner. Mike Priefer took the Browns special teams from 24th in the league to 14th with two rookie kickers and no return specialist. After fullbacks, the second position that makes Browns fans happy, are kick returners. From Dino Hall and Mike Wright to Gerald McNeil to Eric Metcalf to Josh Cribbs to Travis Benjamin, return guys hold a special place in Browns fans hearts.
So what’s next? Well because the Browns have been very smart with these contracts they are tied with the Texans for the most cap space at 40 million. They could still use a pass rusher and the Vikings Everson Griffen is available, however he’ll likely cost some cash and he’s 32 years old. Some have suggested signing Jadeveon Clowney. Although it sounds great, that would require the release of Olivier Vernon and his 15.5 million dollar contract. Personally I think Clowney, who wants 20 million per year, will want to resign with Seattle. However, now I’m hearing Seattle has only offered a little over 13 million. I like Vernon, but if the Browns could get Clowney for around 14 million, I would gladly cut Vernon and sign Clowney. If the Browns don’t sign Clowney, the best pass rusher available is Markus Golden. He’s the 65th best free agent, but the third best pass rusher. I’d also like to see the Browns sign another LB and they have been connected to the Eagles LB Nigel Bradham. As for the defensive line and safety position, DT Shelby Harris and Derek Wolfe are still available as are safety’s Clayton Geathers and Tony Jefferson. I think the Anthony Harris trade has left the port and sailed on to another destination. Finally, Rashard Higgins can still return to the Browns, ball is in his court.
I think the Browns have one more splash signing in them, if both sides agree. It’s like your first prom date, it will happen if someone says yes. If not, they can use the cap space to fill in depth and wait for the draft. Speaking of the draft, here’s a crazy idea, sign Jason Peters to a two year contract to play left tackle and draft BPA with the tenth pick. Or trade down a little and pick up some draft capital. The Browns can still get a developmental tackle in the third round and would have some draft flexibility. Just a thought. I wish I could say staying at home has made me a little giddy, however like I said, I’m a self employed accountant and I still have to go to my office everyday. Oh don’t worry, I practice social distancing, mainly because I’ve been doing it for decades. In the immortal words of Frank Costanza, “I gotta a lot of problems with you people.” Just kidding, I hope everyone stays safe. Enjoy week two of free agency (it’s only been one week?) and Go Browns.