NFL free agency is months away but the NFL playoffs kick off on Saturday so Browns fans should keep their eyes out
The Cleveland Browns sit at home wondering what is next and how they can not only get back to the NFL playoffs but do better than they did last year when the Houston Texans blew them out. QB Deshaun Watson has cost the team more than money and his recent injury could help the Browns salary cap moving forward.
Salary cap space could be helpful as NFL free agency gets rolling but Cleveland’s initial focus is the NFL draft and what to do with the second overall pick. The Browns roster has 26 free agents and a load of needs.
They are from the only team with free agents including the Texans and their NFL playoff opponents for Wild Card weekend, the Los Angeles Chargers. Here are three players from each team that Cleveland could be interested in pursuing in free agency:
Texans Free Agents
- DE Derek Barnett
The 29-year-old edge rusher has played in just 35.6% of Houston’s snaps but produced five sacks, seven QB hits, four tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
- DL Mario Edwards Jr.
The 30-year-old former second-round pick defensive lineman is versatile enough to provide Jim Schwartz another player who can make an impact on all three downs.
- S Eric Murray
A former Browns defender, Murray has made a name for himself with the Texans and continues to play a heavy snap count on both defense and special teams. A versatile defender who can help Cleveland as a third safety.
Chargers Free Agents
- DE Khalil Mack
Once one of the highest-paid players at his position, the veteran Mack might have a year or two left to play at a high level. Adding his strength and veteran knowledge to the Browns defensive line would be very helpful.
- RB J.K. Dobbins
The former Ohio State Buckeyes running back has dealt with a myriad of injuries throughout his career but he is still young and was productive, almost 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns, despite playing just 50% of the team’s snaps. Cleveland needs multiple running backs this offseason.
- QB Taylor Heinicke
Depending on how things go at quarterback this offseason, the Browns could need a veteran backup in their third spot with a young QB drafted at the top of the draft and another veteran penciled in as a starter. Heinicke fits that role.
You can peruse all the pending free agents at Over the Cap.
Do any of the above options look like helpful fits for the 2025 Browns?