What would you do? (2022)

[Smooth]

To avoid every thread devolving in what the Browns should do with Baker or with their wide receiver group or with their kicking game, it's time to put your money where your mouth is and lay out what you would do if you were in Andrew Berry's seat...

Browns current cap/roster situation
Estimated cap space: $24 million
Browns 2022 Draft Picks: 13, 44, 78, 98, 105, 116, 154, 191, 221
Browns Free Agents: Jadeveon Clowney (UFA), Chris Hubbard (UFA), Takk McKinley (UFA), Malik Jackson (UFA), Anthony Walker Jr (UFA), David Njoku (UFA), Rashard Higgins (UFA), MJ Stewart (UFA), Malcolm Smith (UFA), Dustin Colquitt (UFA), Ifeadi Odenigbo (RFA), Montreal Meander (RFA), Stephen Carlson (RFA), Ronnie Harrison (UFA), Hjalte Froholdt (ERFA), Chase McLaughlin (RFA), Michael Dunn (ERFA), Blake Hance (ERFA), Malik McDowelll (ERFA), D'Ernest Johnson (RFA)

The Smooth Plan

Restructure/Release
Case Keenum -- Release (Save $7.1 million)
Austin Hooper -- Release, post 6/1 (Save $9.5 million)
Mack Wilson -- Release (Save $2.5 million)
Drew Forbes -- Release (Save $965,000)
Jarvis Landry -- Restructure if possible, if not keep at current salary
Jack Conklin* -- Restructure if possible, if not keep at current salary
*pending health

Wilson and Forbes are easy cuts... Keenum is more than likely a cut however you're likely paying a similar salary for a replacement unless you go with Mullens or a vet (Andy Dalton on vet minimum).. Landry could be cut if they find a suitable replacement but see the Browns wanting some stability going into next year... Hooper more than likely gets released post 6/1 to save money and put it towards keeping Njoku.. Tretter and Conklin are interesting cases with the money the Browns can save... Tretter is likely linked to Browns feelings about Harris but with this being Tretter's final year and still playing at a high level, he stays along to help keep Baker's familiarity level with line leader... Even though Rosenhaus says Conklin will be ready, Conklin only has one year left and is coming off a patellar tendon surgery... I'd lean towards extending him if he's healthy but if Browns feel like he's not likely to recover well, they could cut him post 6/1, move Bitonio to LT, Dunn to LG and Wills to RT and still be in good shape..

Re-Signed
David Njoku (3 year, $33 million)
Jadeveon Clowney (1 yr, $10 million)
MJ Stewart (3 year, $12 million)
Anthony Walker (2 year, $7 million)
Stephen Carlson
Michael Dunn
Blake Hance
D'Ernest Johnson (2nd round tender)

Carlson, Dunn and Hance are all gimmes for depth... While Browns don't need Johnson, giving him a 2nd round tender would be smart with Hunt being a FA next year.. Stewart has performed well in a variety of roles, especially at safety last year, and is a Woods favorite... Browns could use Walker's leadership returning and provides some solid depth to a young group... Clowney may want a big, long-term deal but PFF projects a one year deal right now.. If Browns can keep him, he'd be worth the money with the 1-2 punch he formed with Garrett... Njoku will be the one that people argue about given his flashes but not consistent form... PFF projects him to get a deal similar to Hunter Henry/Jonnu Smith got last year.. Browns would be wise to release Hooper and keep Njoku with that money given he's an ascending player and has improved each year under this coaching staff..

Extend
Denzel Ward (5 yr, $95 million)

Easy here: The man will get his money..

Sign
QB Jacoby Brissett (2 year, $15 million)
TE Mo-Allie Cox (3 year, $20 million)
DT Linval Joseph (1 year, $6 million)
WR Breshad Perriman (1 year, $3 million)
DE Dorance Armstrong (2 year, $4 million)
OL Dennis Kelly (1 year, vet minimum)
P Bryan Angerer (1 year, vet minimum)

I would be all over a Baker upgrade but it seems like the big movers (Cousins, Carr, Rodgers, Wilson) will be staying put and the teams that need QBs (7-9) may have a slight market to pick from... The Browns could go for Jimmy G but they'll pay a price and face other more motivated teams.. In the end, the Browns likely face competition for even top backups (Mariota) who could get better offers elsewhere.. In the end, someone like Brissett who has fared well when given the opportunity would be my choice... He provides a safety net should Baker falter and is young enough to provide a bridge for next year too.. Mariota would be my first choice and Dalton be the vet minimum fall back... Allie-Cox has the size, blocking and catch radius to take Hooper's spot and make a really interesting tandem with Njoku.. Joseph has some familiarity with this coaching staff and provided a starter at NT and a veteran presence the group needs.. Perriman provides some insurance and familiarity with Baker, and gives the Browns a threat they don't have... Armstrong performed well in Dallas last year and provides upside as a rotational end... Kelly is a solid backup lineman who can play all over the line and gives them some vet experience at either tackle spot -- something they missed last year... Angerer comes in with a big leg to take hold of the punter spot..

Draft
13: Garrett Wilson (WR, Ohio State)
44: Logan Hall (DL, Houston)*
52: Kingsley Enagbare (DE, South Carolina)
*Traded 98 + 108 + 116 for 52
105: Verone McKinley (S, Oregon)
154: Darrian Beavers (LB, Cincinnati)
191: Cameron Dicker (K, Texas)
221: *traded for future pick*

Coming in, two things are certain: The Browns need a WR and DL, and the Browns don't need all their picks... We could see them traded away for vets or to target their guys in the draft -- I chose the later.. I went between Travon Walker and Garrett Wilson at 13, but went with Wilson due to his game breaking ability and took advantage of the depth on the defensive line in the second... Dicker looks to be an interesting choice to solve the Browns kicking duties..

53 Man Roster
QB: Baker Mayfield / Jacoby Brissett
RB: Nick Chubb / Kareem Hunt / D'Ernest Johnson
FB: Andy Janovich
WR: Jarvis Landry / Garrett Wilson / Demetric Felton
WR: Donovan Peoples Jones / Breshad Perriman / Anthony Schwartz
TE: David Njoku / Harrison Bryant
TE: Mo Allie-Cox / Stephen Carlson
LT: Jedrick Wills / Dennis Kelly
LG: Joel Bitonio / Michael Dunn
CT: JC Tretter / Nick Harris
RG: Wyatt Teller / Blake Hance
RT: Jack Conklin (IR) / James Hudson

DE: Jadeveon Clowney / Kingsley Enagbare
3T: Logan Hall / Jordan Elliott / Sheldon Day
NT: Linval Joseph / Tommy Togiai
DE: Myles Garrett / Dorance Armstrong
WLB: JOK / Tony Fields
MLB: Anthony Walker / Jacob Phillips
SLB: Sione Takitaki / Darrian Beavers
CB: Denzel Ward / Greedy Williams
CB: Greg Newsome / Troy Hill / AJ Green
FS: Grant Delpit / MJ Stewart / Verone McKinley
SS: John Johnson / Richard LeCounte

LS: Charley Hughlett
P: Bryan Angerer
K: Cameron Dicker

The goal? If Browns have to run it back with Baker, due to market conditions and not by choice, the goal is to provide stability, keep the offensive line strong and improve the passing game... The draft and free agency target key weaknesses (passing game and defensive line) while addressing depth at some spots, and helping to improve the special teams group... Cap space may require some finagling but tried to be somewhat realistic in spending and what they can afford...

 

[Vee-Rex]

To avoid every thread devolving in what the Browns should do with Baker or with their wide receiver group or with their kicking game, it's time to put your money where your mouth is and lay out what you would do if you were in Andrew Berry's seat...

Browns current cap/roster situation
Estimated cap space: $24 million
Browns 2022 Draft Picks: 13, 44, 78, 98, 105, 116, 154, 191, 221
Browns Free Agents: Jadeveon Clowney (UFA), Chris Hubbard (UFA), Takk McKinley (UFA), Malik Jackson (UFA), Anthony Walker Jr (UFA), David Njoku (UFA), Rashard Higgins (UFA), MJ Stewart (UFA), Malcolm Smith (UFA), Dustin Colquitt (UFA), Ifeadi Odenigbo (RFA), Montreal Meander (RFA), Stephen Carlson (RFA), Ronnie Harrison (UFA), Hjalte Froholdt (ERFA), Chase McLaughlin (RFA), Michael Dunn (ERFA), Blake Hance (ERFA), Malik McDowelll (ERFA), D'Ernest Johnson (RFA)

The Smooth Plan

Restructure/Release
Case Keenum -- Release (Save $7.1 million)
Austin Hooper -- Release, post 6/1 (Save $9.5 million)
Mack Wilson -- Release (Save $2.5 million)
Drew Forbes -- Release (Save $965,000)
Jarvis Landry -- Restructure if possible, if not keep at current salary
Jack Conklin* -- Restructure if possible, if not keep at current salary
*pending health

Wilson and Forbes are easy cuts... Keenum is more than likely a cut however you're likely paying a similar salary for a replacement unless you go with Mullens or a vet (Andy Dalton on vet minimum).. Landry could be cut if they find a suitable replacement but see the Browns wanting some stability going into next year... Hooper more than likely gets released post 6/1 to save money and put it towards keeping Njoku.. Tretter and Conklin are interesting cases with the money the Browns can save... Tretter is likely linked to Browns feelings about Harris but with this being Tretter's final year and still playing at a high level, he stays along to help keep Baker's familiarity level with line leader... Even though Rosenhaus says Conklin will be ready, Conklin only has one year left and is coming off a patellar tendon surgery... I'd lean towards extending him if he's healthy but if Browns feel like he's not likely to recover well, they could cut him post 6/1, move Bitonio to LT, Dunn to LG and Wills to RT and still be in good shape..

Re-Signed
David Njoku (3 year, $33 million)
Jadeveon Clowney (1 yr, $10 million)
MJ Stewart (3 year, $12 million)
Anthony Walker (2 year, $7 million)
Stephen Carlson
Michael Dunn
Blake Hance
D'Ernest Johnson (2nd round tender)

Carlson, Dunn and Hance are all gimmes for depth... While Browns don't need Johnson, giving him a 2nd round tender would be smart with Hunt being a FA next year.. Stewart has performed well in a variety of roles, especially at safety last year, and is a Woods favorite... Browns could use Walker's leadership returning and provides some solid depth to a young group... Clowney may want a big, long-term deal but PFF projects a one year deal right now.. If Browns can keep him, he'd be worth the money with the 1-2 punch he formed with Garrett... Njoku will be the one that people argue about given his flashes but not consistent form... PFF projects him to get a deal similar to Hunter Henry/Jonnu Smith got last year.. Browns would be wise to release Hooper and keep Njoku with that money given he's an ascending player and has improved each year under this coaching staff..

Extend
Denzel Ward (5 yr, $95 million)

Easy here: The man will get his money..

Sign
QB Jacoby Brissett (2 year, $15 million)
TE Mo-Allie Cox (3 year, $20 million)
DT Linval Joseph (1 year, $6 million)
WR Breshad Perriman (1 year, $3 million)
DE Dorance Armstrong (2 year, $4 million)
OL Dennis Kelly (1 year, vet minimum)
P Bryan Angerer (1 year, vet minimum)

I would be all over a Baker upgrade but it seems like the big movers (Cousins, Carr, Rodgers, Wilson) will be staying put and the teams that need QBs (7-9) may have a slight market to pick from... The Browns could go for Jimmy G but they'll pay a price and face other more motivated teams.. In the end, the Browns likely face competition for even top backups (Mariota) who could get better offers elsewhere.. In the end, someone like Brissett who has fared well when given the opportunity would be my choice... He provides a safety net should Baker falter and is young enough to provide a bridge for next year too.. Mariota would be my first choice and Dalton be the vet minimum fall back... Allie-Cox has the size, blocking and catch radius to take Hooper's spot and make a really interesting tandem with Njoku.. Joseph has some familiarity with this coaching staff and provided a starter at NT and a veteran presence the group needs.. Perriman provides some insurance and familiarity with Baker, and gives the Browns a threat they don't have... Armstrong performed well in Dallas last year and provides upside as a rotational end... Kelly is a solid backup lineman who can play all over the line and gives them some vet experience at either tackle spot -- something they missed last year... Angerer comes in with a big leg to take hold of the punter spot..

Draft
13: Garrett Wilson (WR, Ohio State)
44: Logan Hall (DL, Houston)*
52: Kingsley Enagbare (DE, South Carolina)
*Traded 98 + 108 + 116 for 52
105: Verone McKinley (S, Oregon)
154: Darrian Beavers (LB, Cincinnati)
191: Cameron Dicker (K, Texas)
221: *traded for future pick*

Coming in, two things are certain: The Browns need a WR and DL, and the Browns don't need all their picks... We could see them traded away for vets or to target their guys in the draft -- I chose the later.. I went between Travon Walker and Garrett Wilson at 13, but went with Wilson due to his game breaking ability and took advantage of the depth on the defensive line in the second... Dicker looks to be an interesting choice to solve the Browns kicking duties..

53 Man Roster
QB: Baker Mayfield / Jacoby Brissett
RB: Nick Chubb / Kareem Hunt / D'Ernest Johnson
FB: Andy Janovich
WR: Jarvis Landry / Garrett Wilson / Demetric Felton
WR: Donovan Peoples Jones / Breshad Perriman / Anthony Schwartz
TE: David Njoku / Harrison Bryant
TE: Mo Allie-Cox / Stephen Carlson
LT: Jedrick Wills / Dennis Kelly
LG: Joel Bitonio / Michael Dunn
CT: JC Tretter / Nick Harris
RG: Wyatt Teller / Blake Hance
RT: Jack Conklin (IR) / James Hudson

DE: Jadeveon Clowney / Kingsley Enagbare
3T: Logan Hall / Jordan Elliott / Sheldon Day
NT: Linval Joseph / Tommy Togiai
DE: Myles Garrett / Dorance Armstrong
WLB: JOK / Tony Fields
MLB: Anthony Walker / Jacob Phillips
SLB: Sione Takitaki / Darrian Beavers
CB: Denzel Ward / Greedy Williams
CB: Greg Newsome / Troy Hill / AJ Green
FS: Grant Delpit / MJ Stewart / Verone McKinley
SS: John Johnson / Richard LeCounte

LS: Charley Hughlett
P: Bryan Angerer
K: Cameron Dicker

The goal? If Browns have to run it back with Baker, due to market conditions and not by choice, the goal is to provide stability, keep the offensive line strong and improve the passing game... The draft and free agency target key weaknesses (passing game and defensive line) while addressing depth at some spots, and helping to improve the special teams group... Cap space may require some finagling but tried to be somewhat realistic in spending and what they can afford...

God I love stuff like this but unfortunately I think it'll just devolve into QB1 bashing - this place has lost any ability to have conversations like this.

I like these moves and would follow a similar pattern, though my changes would be:

• Attempt to sign Trent Brown or Eric Fisher. Success or failure would factor in whether or not we cut Conklin post June 1st.
• Resign Mullens as the backup for 1-2 million rather than paying Brisette 7.5 million. If QB1 goes down our season is screwed anyway, but I believe Mullens can be serviceable for a game here and there.
• Try to keep Clowney but I have no reason to believe he won't try to get paid more elsewhere. I wouldn't over-extend just to keep him and would let someone like Enagbare get a shot if we drafted him. I wouldn't mind trying to resign Takk either.
• Landry has to be restructured bare minimum but I'd intrigued with bringing in Zay Jones here and I wouldn't mind cutting Landry if we did. LVR will have very little cap space after Carr's extension and probably won't shell out the extra money for Jones. Jones has great hands, good size (6'2), decent speed, and seems to have improved a bit on his route-running. I think he has high potential and I like what I saw from him last year.

 

[Urban]

Yeah, count me out on paying a substantial amount for a backup QB

 

[Ohio]

Resign Mullens as the backup for 1-2 million rather than paying Brisette 7.5 million. If QB1 goes down our season is screwed anyway, but I believe Mullens can be serviceable for a game here and there.

I was going to say the same thing. I'd honestly rather have Mullens on the cheap as a backup than waste cap space on Brissett, who IMO has shown he's not good enough anyway.

I would be interested in a Mariota reclamation project, however. I think he's a guy that could be good enough in the right situation.

 

[DJTJ]

My only hope is that 78 is packaged to move up from 44 if someone falls, given the comp pick.

 

[Smooth]

The back QB situation is a conundrum: If you cut Keenum, you likely have to pay similar money for a competent backup.. If you go cheap and have Mullens as your backup or a vet minimum like Dalton, and Baker continues to regress, you really jeopardize your whole season..

I vacillated between trading picks for Calvin Ridley and taking Travon Walker in the 1st or going Wilson at 13 and trading up for an EDGE... Candidly, I would prefer the first if everything checks out with Ridley...

 

[Amherstcavsfan]

One thing I think we're likely to see:

JC Tretter cut/traded and Nick Harris will step in. Harris has been able to really develop and looked awesome against the Packers. At this point, Tretter's inability to practice hasn't affected his ability on the field, but I think it's time to cut bait with him before it does. Plus is saves a decent chunk of change that can be used on another WR, IMO.

 

[sailfish]

Here’s the questions as I see it:

1) QB- even if Baker is retained, you have to bring in someone who is better than Keenum & who can provide more competition. Trubisky & Mariota interest me the most.
2) WR- preferably the Browns bring back Landry at a lower cap number, provided he’s open to a restructure. The Browns still would need to draft a WR reasonably high and possibly sign a free agent or two.
3) RT- can Conklin return from the torn patella in 2022 and, if so, when? Can Hudson capably fill in, if Conklin isn’t ready to go? Hudson has the tools, but needs to improve a lot this offseason.
4) DE- seems like Clowney likely walks and we sign someone, like Derek Barnett, to replace him. I think we also draft a DE and Cameron Thomas seems like a probable target since we just hired his college position coach.
5) TE- I’d prefer to cut Hooper and re-sign Njoku. However, with the depth of the draft class I think they let Njoku walk, take the comp. pick, and draft someone.
6) C- Tretter seems worn down and Nic Harris can likely replace him capably, so I won’t be surprised if he’s cut.
7) RB- D’Ernest Johnson is deserving of more of an opportunity after the season he had. Do the Browns trade Hunt to open up carries or will they possibly look to trade Johnson?
8) DT- this may be the biggest need area on the team and that was even before the Malik McDowell meltdown. Will McDowell be back and, even if he is, can you rely on him? This seems like a position they’ll have to target in the draft & free agency.

LOTS of questions to get answered this offseason.

 

[Vee-Rex]

LOTS of questions to get answered this offseason.

And the fun part about it?

We're only weeks away from free agency, baby. Can't wait to see our signings, trades, etc... our Superbowl is right around the corner.

 

[Randolphkeys]

Positional thoughts:

1. QB - I've said this for a while, Baker is coming back for at least one more season. Keenum is certainly gone. I'd be interested in a return of Tyrod Taylor, you don't have to worry about chemistry in the QB room, and we know Stefanski highly prioritizes that team aspect of the room over competition. I do believe a project gadget QB is on the cards later in day three, like Bailey Zappe or EJ Perry.

RB - Browns are fine. One more year of cheap D'Earnest unless a team falls hard and the Browns get compensation.

TE - Browns fans tend to overrate Njoku as much as they underrate Hooper. I do believe the Browns want to retain Njoku, but it isn't as vital as fans believe. Bryant provides great insurance in free agency for the Browns to play hardball. I am not against a trade to move Hooper and taking another overpaid veteran back, say at defensive line.

OL - The guards are set, including Dunn. Conklin has some injury concerns, but he is worth every penny when healthy. Day two draft pick is not too soon for a rookie tackle to develop. James Hudson might someday be a viable right side player, but it's not happening soon. I'm a bigger fan of Nick Harris than most. The moving pocket concept and outside zone runs are right in his wheelhouse, and again this is why a veteran like Tyrod makes a ton of sense to me.

WR - This is where passing games improvement will likely come in 2022. Chris Godwin should absolutely be a free agency target. He is an X receiver who can upgrade from what OBJ only provided in theory, and the BUCS are no threat to retain him. A first or second rounder invested in receiver on top of Godwin is also smart. The squad needs to truly give Baker access to everything he needs to prove himself with weapons. No more overachieving late round guys playing above their punching weight. I do see Landry as a great restructure option, but a restructure is always hard to bank on. I would love to see him retained with a plan moving forward for a true #1 and a highly drafted rookie integrated as well.

I'll switch over to defense another day, but Browns fans have put so much energy into focusing on a Baker replacement when the turnover on the defensive front seven will see the most roster turnover.

 

[Urban]

The back QB situation is a conundrum: If you cut Keenum, you likely have to pay similar money for a competent backup.. If you go cheap and have Mullens as your backup or a vet minimum like Dalton, and Baker continues to regress, you really jeopardize your whole season..

I vacillated between trading picks for Calvin Ridley and taking Travon Walker in the 1st or going Wilson at 13 and trading up for an EDGE... Candidly, I would prefer the first if everything checks out with Ridley...

Is the season really any less fucked though with Jacoby Brissett? He has 2 full season starting seasons under his belt. 2017 he was a bottom 5ish starter and in 2019 he ranked below Baker in most advanced passing metrics and Baker's 2019 was not good. At $2-3m? Sure. $7-8m? Pass.

And hey, if Baker continues to suck next season or gets hurt early on in the season, maybe sacrificing the 2022 season isn't the worst thing if it helps us get in a better spot to find a franchise QB.

 

[DirtyDan]

Here’s the questions as I see it:

1) QB- even if Baker is retained, you have to bring in someone who is better than Keenum & who can provide more competition. Trubisky & Mariota interest me the most.
2) WR- preferably the Browns bring back Landry at a lower cap number, provided he’s open to a restructure. The Browns still would need to draft a WR reasonably high and possibly sign a free agent or two.
3) RT- can Conklin return from the torn patella in 2022 and, if so, when? Can Hudson capably fill in, if Conklin isn’t ready to go? Hudson has the tools, but needs to improve a lot this offseason.
4) DE- seems like Clowney likely walks and we sign someone, like Derek Barnett, to replace him. I think we also draft a DE and Cameron Thomas seems like a probable target since we just hired his college position coach.
5) TE- I’d prefer to cut Hooper and re-sign Njoku. However, with the depth of the draft class I think they let Njoku walk, take the comp. pick, and draft someone.
6) C- Tretter seems worn down and Nic Harris can likely replace him capably, so I won’t be surprised if he’s cut.
7) RB- D’Ernest Johnson is deserving of more of an opportunity after the season he had. Do the Browns trade Hunt to open up carries or will they possibly look to trade Johnson?
8) DT- this may be the biggest need area on the team and that was even before the Malik McDowell meltdown. Will McDowell be back and, even if he is, can you rely on him? This seems like a position they’ll have to target in the draft & free agency.

LOTS of questions to get answered this offseason.

5. If Njoku walks, what round would the pick be in?

8. No way, he got really fucked up and assulted police officers while naked. It be shocking that anyone would take a flier on him considering he's not that good and has spent time in prison in the past. Hope he can figure his problems out and get his life back, but there's no way that happens in NFL.

 

[sailfish]

5. If Njoku walks, what round would the pick be in?

8. No way, he got really fucked up and assulted police officers while naked. It be shocking that anyone would take a flier on him considering he's not that good and has spent time in prison in the past. Hope he can figure his problems out and get his life back, but there's no way that happens in NFL.

I think they take a TE in round 3 or 4, where they have a combined 4 picks. It's a really deep class and there will be some good ones still available then.

It's been strangely quiet since McDowell got arrested. I kinda expected the Browns to release him soon thereafter, but it hasn't happened. Makes me wonder if the guy doesn't have some sort of mental disorder and they're trying to 'support him,' rather than throwing him to the curb.

 

[DirtyDan]

Positional thoughts:

1. QB - I've said this for a while, Baker is coming back for at least one more season. Keenum is certainly gone. I'd be interested in a return of Tyrod Taylor, you don't have to worry about chemistry in the QB room, and we know Stefanski highly prioritizes that team aspect of the room over competition. I do believe a project gadget QB is on the cards later in day three.

RB - Browns are fine. One more year of cheap D'Earnest unless a team falls hard and the Browns get compensation.

TE - Browns fans tend to overrate Njoku as much as they underrate Hooper. I do believe the Browns want to retain Njoku, but it isn't as vital as fans believe. Bryant provides great insurance in free agency for the Browns to play hardball. I am not against a trade to move Hooper and taking another overpaid veteran back, say at defensive line.

OL - The guards are set, including Dunn. Conklin has some injury concerns, but he is worth every penny when healthy. Day two draft pick is not too soon for a rookie tackle to develop. James Hudson might someday be a viable right side player, but it's not happening soon. I'm a bigger fan of Nick Harris than most. The moving pocket concept and outside zone runs are right in his wheelhouse, and again this is why a veteran like Tyrod makes a ton of sense to me.

WR - This is where passing games improvement will likely come in 2022. Chris Godwin should absolutely be a free agency target. He is an X receiver who can upgrade from what OBJ only provided in theory, and the BUCS are no threat to retain him. A first or second rounder invested in receiver on top of Godwin is also smart. The squad needs to truly give Baker access to everything he needs to prove himself with weapons. No more overachieving late round guys playing above their punching weight. I do see Landry as a great restructure option, but a restructure is always hard to bank on. I would love to see him retained with a plan moving forward for a true #1 and a highly drafted rookie integrated as well.

I'll switch over to defense another day, but Browns fans have put so much energy into focusing on a Baker replacement when the turnover on the defensive front seven will see the most roster turnover.

It's going to be funny or possibly really sad if fans clamor for Tyrod to play depending on the circumstance. The Browns would have come full circle.

WR and DL are going to be the priority this offseason. Part of the reason that cutting Conklin/Tretter makes me uneasy. They have been solid starters despite the injury issues. I could see the justification if that money goes back into a Clowney/Goodwin signing or resigning Ward, but it still stings to create holes in one of the best offensive lines in football. The Browns would have to integrate two new guys, even if it's just Harris and Hudson, that takes time and there's definitely going to be growing pains.

 

[Randolphkeys]

It's going to be funny or possibly really sad if fans clamor for Tyrod to play depending on the circumstance. The Browns would have come full circle.

WR and DL are going to be the priority this offseason. Part of the reason that cutting Conklin/Tretter makes me uneasy. They have been solid starters despite the injury issues. I could see the justification if that money goes back into a Clowney/Goodwin signing or resigning Ward, but it still stings to create holes in one of the best offensive lines in football. The Browns would have to integrate two new guys, even if it's just Harris and Hudson, that takes time and there's definitely going to be growing pains.

With 6 picks before 120, I am expecting defensive line and one highly picked wide receiver. I've also been a fan of drafting another offensive tackle specifically, avoiding the guard/tackle utility type players. Tackles - even mediocre ones - are expensive. Ride with Conklin, but at the same time take advantage of every off-season Callahan is under contract.