Hot Takes, Predictions for Browns' Most Impactful Free-Agent Signings

The Cleveland Browns' most impactful additions this offseason have come via trades. That's how they brought in quarterback Deshaun Watson and wide receiver Amari Cooper, two players who could be key for their new-look offense.

However, the Browns were also fairly active during free agency. They acquired a number of players who should fill several notable holes on their roster, and some could end up playing substantial roles for the team during the 2022 season.

Cleveland went 8-9 last year, which was a disappointing showing for a team with playoff aspirations after reaching the postseason in 2020. It will now hope the moves it has made will be enough to get it back into the playoffs this upcoming season.

Here's a look at several key players Cleveland signed during free agency, along with some predictions for each.

Jadeveon Clowney, DE

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BEREA, OH - MAY 25: Jadeveon Clowney #90 of the Cleveland Browns talks with defensive line coach Chris Kiffin during the Cleveland Browns OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 25, 2022 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)

The Browns ensured they'd return both of their starting edge-rushers for 2022, as they re-signed Jadeveon Clowney to a one-year deal last month.

The 29-year-old formed a strong pairing with Myles Garrett last season, and they should have more success playing on opposite ends again in 2022.

This will be the first time in quite a while that Clowney will have some stability with a franchise. He has played for four teams over the past four seasons. After his five-year tenure with the Houston Texans ended after 2018, he played a year apiece with the Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans, before joining Cleveland in 2021.

The three-time Pro Bowler had nine sacks and two forced fumbles in 14 games last season. And after he remained unsigned on the free-agent market for more than two months, the Browns inked a deal to bring him back. He appears ready to help them have success, too.

"I just want to chase that Super Bowl," Clowney told Nathan Zegura on Best Podcast Available. "We had a great defense last year. We went out and got some more key players on offense and defense, and I feel like we've got a shot."

Expect Clowney to do his part, and he may put up even bigger numbers this season. When healthy and playing at a high level, he is a dominant pass-rusher. And in his ninth NFL season, he'll finally record double-digit sacks for the first time.

Prediction: Clowney has 11 sacks while playing in 15 games.

Jakeem Grant, WR

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BEREA, OH - MAY 25: Jakeem Grant Sr. #9 of the Cleveland Browns catches a pass during the Cleveland Browns OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 25, 2022 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)

The Browns may have traded for Amari Cooper to be their No. 1 pass-catcher, but the rest of their receiving depth chart is a bit up in the air.

They don't have a ton of returning players at the position, and it seems there will be playing time up for grabs during training camp and the preseason.

It's possible Jakeem Grant will factor into the mix for Cleveland's offense. He signed a three-year deal with the Browns this offseason, so it's clear he'll have a role with the team. Last year, he had 11 catches for 132 yards and two receiving touchdowns over 15 games with the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins.

However, the primary reason why Cleveland likely signed the 29-year-old is for his return skills. He was a Pro Bowl returner in 2021, when he averaged 23.4 yards per kick return and also had a 97-yard punt return touchdown for the Bears, the sixth return TD of his six-year NFL career.

Could the Texas Tech product be a decent receiving option on offense, too? That's what he's out to prove, and he said the Browns' intention to use him more at wide receiver "really sealed the deal" on his decision to sign with them, according to Dan Labbe of Cleveland.com.

The prediction here is that Grant has the biggest receiving season of his career in 2022, as the Browns will find ways to incorporate the 5'7" speedster on offense.

Prediction: Grant sets career highs with 515 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns.

Jacoby Brissett, QB

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BEREA, OH - JUNE 01: Jacoby Brissett #7 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during the Cleveland Browns offseason workout at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 1, 2022 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)

The Browns are heading into the 2022 season with Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback, and it's highly likely Baker Mayfield won't be on their roster.

That means Jacoby Brissett, who signed a one-year deal with Cleveland in March, will likely be at No. 2 on the QB depth chart behind Watson.

But it wouldn't be a surprise if the 29-year-old gets onto the field, especially early in the season. There's a chance Watson will receive a suspension from the NFL because of the 24 civil lawsuits that have been filed against him accusing him of sexual assault or misconduct.

If the Browns have to open the season with Brissett as their starting quarterback, they'll have an experienced veteran leading their offense. He is entering his seventh NFL season and has made 37 career starts, including five last year with the Miami Dolphins.

Brissett may not be a great long-term fit in Cleveland, but he could put up some solid numbers if called upon. And it seems likely he'll get playing time at some point in 2022.

The Browns have a strong running game, so they may not ask him to do much if/when he plays. But he's capable of helping to lead the team to at least a few wins.

Prediction: Brissett starts at least four games and leads Browns to at least three wins.