Hot Takes, Predictions for Browns' Most Impactful Free Agent Signings
The Cleveland Browns overcame numerous injuries in 2023 to make the playoffs as a wild-card team. However, they were quickly ousted from the postseason in embarrassing fashion.
Most of Cleveland's core is back for another run in 2024, and the Browns are hoping that a healthier roster will get them further in the playoffs. General manager Andrew Berry put a lot of effort into keeping the roster together this offseason, but he did add a few new pieces to the puzzle.
Cleveland re-signed players like Za'Darius Smith, Shelby Harris and Corey Bojorquez. They should have a sizeable impact on the upcoming season, just as they did in 2023.
Here, though, we'll examine some of the new veterans who have joined the Browns this offseason. We'll dive into what they can add to the Cleveland roster and make a few predictions about their impact on the 2024 season.
Jameis Winston Will Have a Big Impact Even If He Never Plays
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The Browns are hoping that they don't have to rely on backup quarterback Jameis Winston often—or, preferably, at all—in 2024. That would mean that Watson is both healthy and playing well.
However, Winston can still serve an important role from the sideline. The 2015 first overall pick was mostly a backup for the New Orleans Saints over the past four seasons but embraced a position as a motivator and locker room leader.
Winston has already brought some positivity to Cleveland's locker room.
"Pretty fun would be a fair way to describe the vibe Winston has tried to bring to his new team," Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal wrote. "The 30-year-old is rarely seen without a massive smile on his face and a word of encouragement for his teammates."
Winston has also spent a lot of time with the first-team offense this offseason as Watson continues to rehab and recover from shoulder surgery. Having Winston in the fold will allow head coach Kevin Stefanski and new offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey to install their offense, even with Watson not fully participating.
While many fans may have preferred to see Cleveland re-sign Joe Flacco, who led the team to the playoffs late last season, Winston will prove to be a valuable addition. He'll help the Browns prepare for Week 1, and he should continue to serve as a valuable leader and a locker room favorite after the season is underway.
Jordan Hicks Will Prove to Be One of the Best Bargain Signings of 2024
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When the Browns signed linebacker Jordan Hicks to a two-year, $8 million deal early in free agency, it didn't generate a ton of attention. While Hicks wasn't considered a marquee signing, however, he could have a massive impact on the 2024 season.
While Cleveland had a tremendous defensive front and a strong secondary last season, it lacked playmakers at the second level aside from Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. Adding the 31-year-old Hicks will both give the Browns another defensive leader and add another do-it-all linebacker to the mix.
Hicks started 13 games for the Minnesota Vikings last season, finishing with 107 tackles, a sack, five passes defended and an interception. He's a perfect fit for the system of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who coached Hicks for three seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Schwartz's presence played a big role in Hicks joining the Browns this offseason.
"When I look back on my career and I look back at the times and the years that I played as clear-minded as I ever have, it was with (Jim Schwartz)," Hicks said, per Dan Labbe of Cleveland.com.
Experience and scheme familiarity should allow Hicks to make an immediate impact both on and off the field. He should be a key contributor in 2024, and on such a team-friendly deal, he should prove to be one of the best bargains any team received this offseason.
D'Onta Foreman Will Play a Significant Role, at Least Early
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The addition of D'Onta Foreman, which happened in Week 2 of free agency, is another move that some may have overlooked. However, it could prove to be a significant one, at least, early in the season.
The Browns are hoping to have star running back Nick Chubb on the field at some point in 2024. However, he's still recovering from multiple torn ligaments in his knee and probably won't be ready for the start of the season.
In the interim, Foreman should step into the No. 2 role behind 2023 starter Jerome Ford. Cleveland often split backfield work between Ford and Kareem Hunt, who was signed after Chubb's injury, last season. While Hunt knew the offense and was effective as a receiver and a short-yardage back, he averaged just 3.0 yards per carry.
Foreman can provide a boost to Cleveland's backfield while it awaits Chubb's return. He was a healthy scratch early in the 2023 season for the Chicago Bears but played a prominent role down the stretch. He ended up averaging 3.9 yards per carry and amassing 502 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns in only nine games.
The Browns also signed Nyheim Hines, though he's recovering from a torn ACL and may be most impactful as a returner under the league's new kickoff rules. Foreman will be a big piece of the offensive game plan early in the year.
Contract information via Spotrac.
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