As the NFL offseason begins, the Cleveland Browns find themselves at a crucial point in their journey. After a disappointing 2024 season, the team must use free agency to address its major weaknesses.
With a solid core in place but clear areas of improvement, this offseason is a vital chance for the Browns to reestablish themselves as a competitive team and get back to playoff contention.
Reflecting on a Tough 2024 Season
The Browns’ 2024 season was filled with missed opportunities and struggles. With a 3-14 record, the team faced issues on both offense and defense. The quarterback position was a major problem, with inconsistent play and turnovers disrupting the offense. The defense also had issues, as it lacked depth and leadership for consistent performances.
Going into the 2025 offseason, addressing the quarterback situation and other key areas is a priority. For example, Cleveland ranked 16th in time of possession, averaging 30:01 per game. This wasn’t the worst, but it didn’t help a defense that allowed 25.6 points per game, ranking 27th in the league.
To improve, the Browns need upgrades on both sides of the ball. However, they face a cap deficit of -$24.54 million as the offseason begins.
While cap management can help, this financial challenge highlights the difficulties Cleveland faces. Deshaun Watson’s poor performance before his season-ending injury, the defense’s decline, and Nick Chubb’s interrupted recovery from a major knee injury have left many questions for the team. It will take a lot of work to make the Browns a playoff contender again.
Here are some of the players the Cleveland Browns should target in free agency for the 2025 offseason.
Stability Under Center
The Browns should consider signing veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to bring stability to the position. While he isn’t officially a free agent yet, Cousins is expected to be released by Atlanta before a $10 million roster bonus is due on March 17.
Cousins also has a past connection with head coach Kevin Stefanski from their time in Minnesota. Any contract would be offset by the $27 million owed to him by the Falcons, making him a cost-effective choice. Cousins’ reliable play in terms of completion percentage and passer rating could give the Browns the stability they need. He can also help mentor a possible rookie quarterback.
Bolstering the Pass Rush
The Browns should prioritize adding Khalil Mack to their defense. Although he’s 34 years old, Mack remains a top-tier edge rusher, recording six sacks and two forced fumbles in 2024. Pairing him with Myles Garrett could form a powerful pass-rushing duo.
Mack’s leadership and experience would also strengthen a defense that struggled with consistency last season. His potential short-term impact makes him an ideal target to address the Browns’ pass-rushing issues.
Strengthening the Secondary
The Browns need to improve their secondary, especially to support Denzel Ward. Injuries and inconsistent play hurt the unit in 2024. DJ Reed, a versatile cornerback with excellent coverage skills, could be the answer.
Reed’s ability to play both outside and in the slot would add flexibility to the defense. His tackling and football IQ would also help address the Browns’ issues in key moments. With the strong offenses in the AFC North, bringing in a player like Reed is important.
Retaining a Star
Nick Chubb’s future in Cleveland is uncertain after a tough 2024 season filled with injuries. Given the shrinking market for veteran running backs, Chubb might sign a cap-friendly deal. This would allow him to stay with the Browns while fitting into the team’s financial constraints.
The team could offer him a one-year, incentive-based deal or a reduced long-term contract. When healthy, Chubb is still one of the league’s best backs. His return would be a big boost for the Browns’ offense.
A Roadmap to Contention
The 2025 offseason is a critical time for the Cleveland Browns to rebuild and become contenders in the competitive AFC North. By targeting free agents like Kirk Cousins, Khalil Mack, and DJ Reed, and making smart decisions about keeping players like Nick Chubb, the Browns can address their most urgent needs.
With good financial management and a clear plan, Cleveland can turn the page on a disappointing 2024 season and set themselves up for future success. The next few months will show whether the team can meet the challenge and give Browns fans the winning football they’ve been waiting for.
Browns fans, who have long experienced heartbreak, deserve a team that can regularly compete. The 2025 offseason gives the Browns a unique chance to change their story and become competitive again. By targeting the right free agents and fixing key weaknesses, the team can finally begin to move up from the bottom of the AFC North and make a playoff push.
