As the 2022 NFL combine comes to an end, pro football fans await the spinning of the rumor mill. First up is the deadline to franchise and transition tag players is on March 8. For the Browns, the rumor is they have a deal on the table for TE David Njoku in the $10 million per year range. If no deal is agreed upon, the team could franchise tag Njoku and try to work out a deal by July 15. And as I type this, the Browns franchised tagged him. Next, the team talked to the representatives of RB D’Ernest Johnson and WR Jarvis Landry over the weekend. Johnson is a restricted free agent and if a deal isn’t agreed upon, they could place a second-round tender on him or trade him. As for Landry, it sure sounds like the Browns are going to cut him saving over $15 million is cap space. Decisions also need to be made concerning C J.C. Tretter, TE Austin Hooper and QB Case Keenum. I get the feeling, Keenum would be the most likely to restructure. Since Njoku has been tagged, there is a big question if Hooper will be back.
There are conflicting reports about the Browns resigning DE Jadeveon Clowney. It sounds like GM Andrew Berry will let him see what’s out there and give him a time limit. I’m sure his agent is listening to hypothetical contract details because the legal tampering period doesn’t start till March 14. As for the wide receiver position, there are reports the Browns will be aggressively involved in free agency. That being said, it would depend on the right player for the right price. They might work out a trade, but don’t expect WR Amari Cooper, his contract of $20 million is why the Cowboys are getting rid of him. Possible trade targets are WR Andy Isabella of the Cardinals or WR Calvin Ridley of the Falcons.
I expect the team to sign defensive linemen at both tackle and end. Also on defense, there is a need for another safety because I don’t think Ronnie Harrison will be back. The Browns would like to resign M.J. Stewart, but he might be seeking a better deal. The team won’t overpay for a number three safety. A backup swing tackle will also be needed. There were reports the Browns want to resign Chris Hubbard, however he’s on the wrong side of 30 and has gotten hurt the last two years so they might be looking for younger options.
Going back to Njoku, the franchise tag for a tight end is $10.8 million but that amount doesn’t count against the cap until Njoki signs his franchise tag deal or until July 15. Like I said earlier, the Browns want to work out a long-term deal with Njoku. Other players who are expected get tagged the Browns might be interested in are WR Chris Godwin and WR Mike Williams. Besides tagging Njoku, the Browns also tendered exclusive right free agents, WR Ja’Marcus Bradley, G Michael Dunn and T Blake Hance. If you’re wondering where the contract extension is for CB Denzel Ward, that will be worked out after free agency.
The next couple weeks are going to be busy for the Browns front office. As I stated many times, I have full faith that GM Andrew Berry will do all he can to improve the Browns roster. Let the illegal tampering begin. Everyone stay safe and Go Browns.