Cleveland Browns
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Browns tried to land Patrick Ricard.
The Cleveland Browns have been active this offseason, and the team tried to sign an impactful offensive weapon from their AFC North rival.
Cleveland hired former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as their new head coach. So, he was expected to try to bring in some players from his old team to help bolster the offense.
According to The Athletic’s Dan Duggan, the Browns were the team that was heavily involved in Patrick Ricard’s market before he inked a deal with the New York Giants.
“Told that the Giants’ main competition for Ricard wasn’t the Ravens — it was the Browns, who have former Ravens OC Todd Monken running the show,” Duggan wrote on X.
Ricard is a fullback who was a key part of the Ravens’ run game for years. His blocking and leadership are key attributes.
With the Browns, Ricard could have helped Quinshon Judkins reach another level in the run game. However, he opted to follow John Harbaugh and sign a two-year deal that makes him the highest-paid FB in the NFL.
Ricard is a six-time Pro Bowler.
Browns Active in Free Agency
Cleveland entered the offseason with plenty of needs and the team has been active in improving the roster.
The Browns first traded for Tytus Howard from the Houston Texans to help bolster the offensive line. Then, Cleveland reached an agreement on a three-year, $49.5 million deal with guard Zion Johnson that includes $32.4 million guaranteed.
Johnson comes from the Los Angeles Chargers and projects to start at guard. Last season, he struggled this past season as a pass blocker, as he had the fifth-lowest pass block win rate among guards. However, he registered the second-best run block win rate.
Cleveland then signed offensive linemen Elgton Jenkins to a two-year, $24 million deal. The former Green Bay Packers linemen can play left guard or center.
The other Browns signing was inking linebacker Quincy Williams to a two-year deal. Devin Bush signed with the Chicago Bears. Williams reunites with Browns defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg, who coached Williams in New York and Jacksonville. Williams recorded 83 tackles and 3.5 sacks last season.
Browns Excited About Offense
Cleveland hired an offensive-minded head coach in Monken and brought in Travis Switzer as their offensive coordinator.
Switzer believes the Browns have the pieces in place on offense to take strides forward. It starts with the quarterback room, and Switzer believes Cleveland is excited about their quarterback room.
“We’re excited about Dillon (Gabriel), we’re excited about Deshaun (Watson),” Switzer said. “Anytime you have a guy who has had the success that he’s had, he’s got to be part of the equation for when it comes to competing for that job.
“And then Shedeur (Sanders) and what he was able to show last year. He’s still young. He has a lot of growth that he can still achieve, especially year one to year two. He only started seven games last year. So, I think there’s a lot to be excited about in that room.”
Switzer, meanwhile, said the Browns have the pieces in place to be a good offense next season.
“There’s a lot of pieces here to get excited about,” Switzer said. “You don’t take a job unless you’re excited about the pieces you have.”