Cleveland Browns Final Free-Agency Outlook and Predictions

The NFL league year begins in one week, which also means we are seven days away from the start of free agency. The Cleveland Browns have a number of glaring roster holes and just over $49 million in available cap space, based on Chris Pokorny of Dawgs By Nature's latest analysis. It's quite possible that Cleveland addresses a few of these needs by signing veterans before rounding things out with April's draft.

Though free agency is an unpredictable time, it's not difficult to make a few predictions on what the Browns may do beginning in a week's time. Here are five educated guesses as to how the front office may approach free agency this year.

Another Quarterback Signing Is Not out of the Question

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Josh McCown may not be the only veteran quarterback the Browns sign this offseason, but another won't come right away.

On Friday, the Cleveland Browns announced they had signed free-agent quarterback Josh McCown to a three-year, $14 million deal that included $6.25 million in guaranteed money. The signing indicates that fellow free agent Brian Hoyer will not be back in Cleveland despite being the team's starter for the majority of the 2014 season.

Though Hoyer is out and McCown is in, that doesn't mean the Browns won't sign another veteran quarterback. However, given the recent signing of McCown, the team won't acquire another quarterback next week. 

Given that the Browns want to leave "no stone unturned" when it comes to finding their starting quarterback for 2015, it's possible they eventually bring in another veteran to expand the competition beyond McCown, Johnny Manziel and Connor Shaw. But it won't happen immediately. The Browns won't be going after another quarterback at the start of free agency.

A Jordan Cameron Return?

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The Browns can easily find money for Jordan Cameron.

The Browns did not use the franchise or transition tags on impending free-agent tight end Jordan Cameron, which likely indicates that his time in Cleveland has come to an end. But it's not guaranteed, yet, that he won't return for another stint.

Though CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reported last month that Cameron does not want to return to Cleveland, so much as to turn down a lucrative long-term deal, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam says differently. As reported by The Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot, Haslam disputed the report:"We've got several free agents, really good people, really good players that we're going through that process with right now. We're talking to all of our guys all the time, almost on a daily basis, particularly now."

Cameron, who had an injury-riddled 2014, caught just 24 passes for 424 yards and two touchdowns last season. However, he's a hot commodity on the free-agency market, mainly because there are few pure pass-catching tight ends available among either veterans or in the upcoming draft. He could therefore command anywhere between $7 and $10 million per year.

That's well within the Browns' budget. And given that the draft class is thin and the depth chart at tight end is even thinner, they could ultimately give Cameron an offer he cannot refuse.

Defensive Line a Priority?

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Stopping the run may have been Cleveland's biggest weakness in 2014.

The Browns defense has been variably effective given the many changes it has seen at coaching and thus schemes. But one thing has remained constant—its inability to stop the run. The Browns defense ranked last in the league in 2014 in rushing yardage allowed, even after installing Mike Pettine at head coach and Jim O'Neil as the defensive coordinator—two defensive minds who are known for their stout front sevens.

With nose tackle Ahtyba Rubin a free agent and not expected back, at the very least the Browns need to address this position. However, they would also be smart to bring in a number of rotational-worthy defensive linemen to help them stop the run. The draft will be a good source of this, but so will free agency.

While the Browns have the cash to pay the likes of Ndamukong Suh, they could also spend the same amount of cash on a number of less expensive veterans. The recently released Ricky Jean Francois or Darnell Dockett could be a good fit, as could Chicago Bears free agent Stephen Paea, who had a salary-cap hit of just $1.172 million in 2014.

The Browns need to use a number of resources available to them to boost the defensive line's effectiveness against the run. The free-agent market is certainly the place to start.

A Big Push for Buster Skrine

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Buster Skrine likely played himself into a good contract—and one the Browns would be wise to give him.

There may be no more crucial free agent for the Browns to re-sign this year than cornerback Buster Skrine. Given the way the 2014 season wrapped for first-round draft pick Justin Gilbert and the lack of depth at the position, the Browns must pony up to pay one of the most desirable cornerbacks in free agency.

Skrine had a career-best year in 2014, with 67 combined tackles, four interceptions and 18 passes defensed. Further, his ability to seamlessly transition from an outside cornerback to the nickel makes him even more attractive, both to other teams and to the Browns, who need his versatility given the uncertainty at the position.

Given the market and his skill set, Skrine could command up to $9 million per year from his new contract, putting him in the upper echelon of cornerback salaries. This limits his suitors, which helps the Browns, who are among the few teams that will be able to afford him. 

Though it's not wise to fling money around at the beginning of free agency, lest a team overpay for a coveted player, the Browns will need to act quickly to keep Skrine in a week's time. He'll be paid handsomely—and likely by Cleveland.

Don't Expect Aggressive Spending

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Browns owner Jimmy Haslam says that the Browns won't be spending much cash in free agency this year.

Though the Cleveland Browns have myriad roster needs and nearly $50 million in salary-cap space to spend, don't expect them to pay out much cash to veteran free agents this year. Team owner Jimmy Haslam said as much last month.

"I think you’ll see us playing less in free agency," he announced at the scouting combine. He added, "We plan to build through the draft, so getting the draft right is so important."

This doesn't mean the Browns won't be active. They could be selective with their signings. It also doesn't rule out re-signing some of their own players, either. But it's not looking like the Browns will be liberal with their dollars; instead, it appears they will be content carrying over a great deal of that money into 2016.

Of course, Haslam's comments could be subterfuge, designed to get not the media but other teams off their trail. This free-agency period will boast a number of higher-priced and higher-profile players at positions of need, such as wide receiver and defensive line, and it would be a mistake to think that the Browns can meet all of their needs with their draft selections in April.

But, if we take Haslam at face value, don't expect the Browns to be major players in free agency, though they have the cash to make a number of signings.