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When the Cleveland Browns confirmed their Head Coach Todd Monken I took a look at the Baltimore Ravens free agents and those that could land in Cleveland to reunite with Monken. You can read that piece here.
The Raven's free agents that stick out the most and seem the most logical for the Cleveland Browns are tight end Charlie Kolar and center Tyler Linderbaum. There is an outside chance of fallback in Patrick Ricard and quarterback Tyler Huntley too. For a wildcard it is worth keeping an eye on safety Alohi Gilman.
The three coordinators are listed below.
Travis Switzer, offensive coordinator: Baltimore Ravens run game coordinator
Mike Rutenberg, defensive coordinator: Atlanta Falcons defensive pass game coordinator
Byron Storer, special teams coordinator: Green Bay Packers assistant special teams coordinator
While there is no need to look at the Ravens again, they other two could have some interesting names. I am going to focus in on defensive players from Atlanta and special teams players from Green Bay. At the same time though they will get more insight into a player like Rasheed Walker too from Byron Storer. Rather than just looking at his play Storer can provide more information on his character.
Atlanta Falcons Free Agents
(Photo: Over The Cap)
Kaden Elliss - If they don't bring Bush back then Elliss makes an awful lot of sense to pair with Carson Schwesinger if there is no dream return for Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah in 2026.
David Onyemata - He has been a high performing depth veteran defensive tackle. Shelby Harris could be an easier deal to do, but if he leaves to go to a competitor, then signing Onyemata is logical.
Dee Alford - He hasn't been particularly good but he is a slot cornerback option, maybe someone more battling for the job with Myles Harden.
Bradley Pinion - I'm not sure why the Falcons would let him walk, but if they do, maybe Rutenberg can convince the Browns to sign him.
Tyler Allgeier - While Rutenberg is more likely chasing a defensive player, he could vouch for Allgeier, who I believe would be a brilliant piece to create a three headed running back room.
Ronnie Harrison - He has transitioned to being a linebacker, he could be a depth option but I would prefer they look at Jerome Baker who has more experience.
Feleipe Franks - He could be a camp body tight end that the Browns go after. He is a long shot to make the final 53 but a good word from Rutenberg might give him a chance to fight for a spot in Cleveland.
Green Bay Packers Free Agents
(Photo: Over The Cap)
Rasheed Walker - They could go bold and add a second expensive veteran tackle but this seems unlikely.
Romeo Doubs - While he doesn't really play special teams outside of the odd snap, he brings a lot of receiving talent and would be a fantastic addition alongside Jeudy and a high draft pick.
Malik Willis - While they are highly unlikely to tempt Willis to Cleveland, getting extra insight into how he is behind the scenes is worthwhile.
Kristian Welch - This move makes an awful lot of sense. He is a very good special teams linebacker, so signing him gives Storer a player who knows what he wants and how to perform at a high level.
Nick Niemann - This is a player I have banged the drum for Cleveland to sign before. A brilliant special teamer, even better than Welch but also someone that can perform well defensively when called upon.
If you enjoyed this article, here are some others by Jack Duffin
2026 Cleveland Browns Roster Prediction
As the offseason goes along I will update my prediction for what the roster will look like come week one.
7th Jan Offensive Prediction - 8th Jan Defensive Prediction - 26th Feb Offensive Prediction - 2nd March Defensive Prediction
Free Agency Preview
Looking at each position room to see if the Cleveland Browns should re-sign players who are free agent, let them walk and what their needs are this offseason.
2026 Offensive Free Agents
With the focus on rebuilding the offense, here are the players they could target in March.
Cleveland Browns Age Guardrails Draft Boards (OBR VIP)
The guardrails examine how Andrew Berry has operated in the past and then project this forward into the next draft class. While he could draft an older player or someone less athletic than they have ever done before, it is a solid starting point for players he is most likely to target.
VIP Bonus Articles
Some VIP articles just don't fit in any of the above categories so I will link them here:
Deshaun Watson Insurance Prediction - Cash Spending By Position 2020 to 2030 - Predicting A Devin Bush Extension - Predicting A Corey Bojorquez Extension - Breaking Down The Alex Wright Extension - Predicting David Njoku's Next Contract - 2026 Stock Up/Down Offensive Players - 2026 Stock Up/Down Defensive Players - Tytus Howard's Potential Contract
Bonus Articles
Some free read articles just don't fit in any of the above categories so I will link them here:
When Will Deshaun Watson Leave Cleveland - Deshaun Watson Insurance, How It Works - Practice Squad Rules & Cost - Browns Starters From 2016 to 2025 - Understanding The Browns Spending Philosophy & Why It Is Sustainable - Where Do The Browns Rank In League Spending - Running It Back With Berry & Stefanski Is Logical - Dummy Years, Watson & Who Else - Two TEs vs Three WRs in 2026 - 2026 Salary Cap Preview - 2026 Cash Budget Preview - Could Any Ravens Free Agents Follow Todd Monken - Joel Bitonio Decision Day 16th Feb - Browns Have Three Choices For Their Post June 1st Cuts - How Much Competition Will The Browns Face In The Quarterback Market This Offseason- Offensive Free Agency Preview, Strengths & Weaknesses - Free Agents & Potential Contract Tenders
As we enter my busiest three months of the year from the end of the regular season to the first few weeks of free agency as contracts are announced, lets kick off with an updated prediction of what the roster is most likely going to look like come week one.
I don't spend too much time focusing on trades as they are rare and mostly not for starter, instead focus on free agency and the draft. When it comes to the draft, I don't spend too long worrying about the names this early, instead on positions. Once we get to the combine and agents, teams and the media starts talking the boards become more accurate.
You can read the offensive prediction here.
Here is a look at the week one roster for each season when Andrew Berry has been the General Manager of the Cleveland Browns.
Here is how I expect the Cleveland Browns 53 man roster to breakdown by position:
Quarterbacks - 3
Running Backs - 3
Wide Receivers - 6
Tight Ends - 3
Tackles - 4
Guards - 4
Centers - 2
Edge Defenders - 5
Defensive Tackles - 5
Linebackers - 5
Cornerbacks - 5
Safeties - 5
Special Teams - 3
Here are their draft picks to add more talent next offseason:
1st Rounder
1st Rounder - Jaguars (2nd Pick/Travis Hunter trade)
2nd Rounder
3rd Rounder
4th Rounder
5th Rounder
5th Rounder - Raiders (Kenny Pickett trade)
5th Rounder - Bengals (Joe Flacco trade)
6th Rounder - Bears (Joe Tryon-Shoyinka trade)
7th Rounder - Seahawks (Nick Harris trade)
(Browns no longer have their 6th Rounder, Nick Harris trade) (Browns no longer have the Lions 6th Rounder from the Za'Darius Smith trade due to the Joe Flacco trade) (Browns no longer have the Jets 6th Rounder from the Jowon Briggs trade due to the Tyson Campbell trade) (Browns no longer have their 7th Rounder, Za'Darius Smith trade) (They gained the Bills 7th rounder in the Amari Cooper trade, then sent it to the Jets in the Jowon Briggs trade) (They gained the Eagles 7th rounder in the Tyson Campbell trade, then sent it to the Bears in the Joe Tryon-Shoyinka trade)
Edge Defender
Myles Garrett
Alex Wright
Isaiah McGuire
Extend Cameron Thomas
Day Three Draft Pick
Three weeks into the season Isaiah McGuire looked like the extension candidate rather than Alex Wright but as the season went along McGuire had faded before coming back stronger from week 10.
I feel confident in saying they will try hard to re-sign Cameron Thomas as the fourth edge on the team. While he only plays around 25% of snaps a game he is very productive in those and the ideal depth piece for the team. He shouldn't cost much more than the league minimum.
To finish out the room they should draft a player like Gabe Jacas who can help them prepare the position room for 2027. If McGuire breaks out then Wright could be a trade candidate. This draft pick will ideally step up to be the third edge in their second season.
Defensive Tackle
Maliek Collins
Mason Graham
Michael Hall
Free Agent
Adin Huntington
The plan will be to have a long term tandem of Graham and Hall leading this position room as long as Hall can get healthy and stay that way. Considering they will have a joint cost of $4.1m in cash next season it makes sense to continue to invest in at least one veteran as it is a rotation position. Since Collins was generating pressures like a top defensive tackle it is a no brainer to retain him for $10m in 2026 even after his injury.
They will need to see more from Hall in 2026 as so far he has underwhelmed. There is still plenty of time for him to turnaround his NFL career and show his health can hold up.
Huntington started the season well but then tailed off, I would look for more reinforcements to add depth to the room with uncertainty around Hall. This allows Huntington to continue as the ninth active defensive lineman next season, he can then look to develop into more for the 2027 season.
With the final roster spot they can look towards a cheaper free agent either a return for Shelby Harris or another player that will cost around $2.5m as they won't want to spend too much. Don't rule out them rating Huntington more than I predicted and finishing off the room with a draft pick instead.
Linebacker
Carson Schwesinger
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah or Extend Devin Bush
Extend Mohamoud Diabate
Extend Jerome Baker
Day Three Draft Pick
The big question here is will Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah be able to play again. If I were to guess, I would have to currently stand as no being the most likely outcome. This is gutting because a tandem of JOK and Schwesinger would be up there with the best in the entire NFL. With him still having $11,031,878 guaranteed in 2026, they will likely keep him around on the roster because then they can look to reclaim any insurance money in his contract. We don't know how much is insured though, but with how often the Browns insure players I would assume the majority is. With how Bush has played under linebackers coach Jason Tarver it would be sensible to sign him to a multiple year extension with guarantees to keep him as the running mate to Schwesinger if JOK can't go.
When it comes to a third and fourth linebacker it makes sense to bring back Mohamoud Diabate and Jerome Baker. They have both been really good contributors for the team, so why change something that is working very effectively.
To finish out the room they could have either Winston Reid or Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, these will be good enough options entering the draft. If they like someone on day three then it is worth adding someone that can ideally develop into the third linebacker over the coming twelve months.
Cornerback
Denzel Ward
Tyson Campbell
Myles Harden
Draft Pick Rounds Three To Five
Free Agent
Rather than attempting to agree an extension with Greg Newsome they have Tyson Campbell, this now gives them a quality tandem over the next two years which they can build on. The trouble with cornerbacks is you need three of them and quarterbacks will pick off the weakest parts of the secondary.
You have some choices when it comes to the slot, they could look to address it in free agency, the draft or bring Harden back to play there next year. I would assume two of the five players will have a focus on this role. My guess is they will look to the draft pick joining Harden as you will tend to find great options in round three to five where as getting man boundary cornerbacks needs you to select these higher.
As things currently stand my prediction is that Myles Harden is the starter in the slot rather than going to free agency to find an upgrade. At the same time they go to the draft and add a cornerback. Plan A for me would be to get a higher quality slot cornerback and then have a competition between the pair.
Then with the free agent you have a few choices, it could be Sam Webb who has played well in relief late in the season, a return for Martin Emerson but it feels like he is better going elsewhere with a clearer route to play the boundary or a special teams cornerback like Tre Avery or D’Angelo Ross. I really hope they can convince Emerson to rehab in 2026 with the Browns.
Safety
Grant Delpit
Ronnie Hickman
Extend Rayshawn Jenkins
Day Three Draft Pick
Donovan McMillon
I think they will hold onto Ronnie Hickman as the starter in 2026 as a restricted free agent. While he has dropped off in the second half of the season he is still a talented player who can continue developing. Entering the season we were wondering if he would be the starter between him, Jenkins and Kazee. They have confidence in him, if they looked for more and slid him to third safety it would be a very deep room.
With the remaining three spots in the room I can see them creating an open competition. Brining Jenkins back as on a veteran minimum deal makes a lot of sense but he will be 32.5 by the time the 2026 season starts. Donovan McMillon should return even if he is limited to special teams snaps but I have a feeling he can do more as time goes by. Then for the remaining two spots battling for depth places another veteran minimum free agent option as well as a day three/UDFA. This way you have four players who can genuinely make a case of being one of the three depth options at safety. Whoever impresses becomes the rotational safety playing 20% of snaps.
This is a similar position room to running back, you can settle for okay/good with Hickman as a starter or run the running back room back in 2026. But with both rooms you can upgrade, another quality back over Sanders or move Hickman to be the third safety and find a starter who can elevate. They have options across the board.
Special Teams
Andre Szmyt
Extend Corey Bojorquez
Rex Sunahara
If you had told me week three that I would be writing Szmyt's name in as the kicker in 2026 I would have laughed at you but here we are. He has had a good season after an awful start. They could bring in UDFA competition to battle him, personally I wouldn’t worry.
Extending Bojorquez makes a lot of sense to me, he has been a really good punter. While short fields have caused him issues he has managed to flip the field when needed.
Rex Sunahara has been solid, it makes little sense to change your long snapper if he is playing well. It isn't like an extra 10% here will change much so there is no point risking anything as the grass isn't always greener on the other side.
If you enjoyed this article, here are some others by Jack Duffin
2026 Cleveland Browns Roster Prediction
As the offseason goes along I will update my prediction for what the roster will look like come week one.
7th Jan Offensive Prediction
Free Agency Scenarios
Here is a look at different scenarios that could play out this free agency window to fill different position rooms. It is purely to give you an idea of the possible rather than what I would do.
Free Agency Preview
Looking at each position room to see if the Cleveland Browns should re-sign players who are free agent, let them walk and what their needs are this offseason.
Building The Free Agency Cheat Sheet (VIP)
My free agency cheat sheet is built by going through every free agent this offseason and then seeing who is most likely to be a Cleveland Browns target. My sheet will be published at the start of March but I will give OBR VIPs a preview.
2026 Free Agents
We will look at every free agent this offseason to see who is on the market for the Cleveland Browns to improve their roster.
Cleveland Browns Age Guardrails Draft Boards (OBR VIP)
The guardrails examine how Andrew Berry has operated in the past and then project this forward into the next draft class. While he could draft an older player or someone less athletic than they have ever done before, it is a solid starting point for players he is most likely to target.
VIP Bonus Articles
Some VIP articles just don't fit in any of the above categories so I will link them here:
Deshaun Watson Insurance Prediction - Cash Spending By Position 2020 to 2030 - Predicting A Devin Bush Extension - Predicting A Corey Bojorquez Extension - Breaking Down The Alex Wright Extension - Predicting David Njoku's Next Contract - 2026 Stock Up/Down Offensive Players - 2026 Stock Up/Down Defensive Players
Bonus Articles
Some free read articles just don't fit in any of the above categories so I will link them here:
When Will Deshaun Watson Leave Cleveland - Deshaun Watson Insurance, How It Works - Practice Squad Rules & Cost - Browns Starters From 2016 to 2025 - Understanding The Browns Spending Philosophy & Why It Is Sustainable - Where Do The Browns Rank In League Spending - Running It Back With Berry & Stefanski Is Logical - Dummy Years, Watson & Who Else - Two TEs vs Three WRs in 2026 - 2026 Salary Cap Preview - 2026 Cash Budget Preview