Winning in March doesn't always lead to winning in January. Every Browns fan knows that by heart. We've seen the "offseason champions" banner hung in Cleveland more times than we'd care to admit, only for the actual season to crumble by October. Right now, as the 2026 offseason looms, the conversation around cleveland browns free agent signings feels different. It’s more desperate. It's also a lot more complicated than just picking the best names off a list.
The reality? The Browns are currently staring at a projected salary cap deficit that would make a CFO faint. We’re talking about being roughly $15 million over the cap before even thinking about signing a rookie class. You’ve probably heard the doomsday talk. "The roster is aging." "The Watson contract is a straight-jacket." Honestly, most of that is true. But Andrew Berry has always been a bit of a wizard with the "funny money" of the NFL, and if the Browns are going to fix a five-win season, they have to be surgical with their 2026 additions.
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The 2025 Hangover and Why It Matters Now
To understand where the Browns are going, you have to look at the wreckage of 2025. Last year’s free agency was... well, it was a mixed bag. They brought in guys like defensive tackle Maliek Collins on a two-year, $20 million deal. He was supposed to be the anchor next to Myles Garrett. Instead, he ended the year on Injured Reserve. They grabbed Cornelius Lucas to stabilize the tackle spot. He’s 34 now, and the tape shows it.
Then there was the linebacker room. Signing Devin Bush and Jerome Baker felt like smart, veteran depth moves at the time. Bush actually played quite a bit, but Baker is hitting the market again, and the team is left wondering if they can afford to keep him.
The 2025 season wasn't all bad, though. Surprisingly, it was the rookies who kept the lights on. While the big-money vets were struggling or sidelined, guys like linebacker Carson Schwesinger and defensive tackle Mason Graham—the number five overall pick—were actually outperforming the guys they were signed to support. This creates a weird tension for 2026. Do you spend what little money you have on veteran "fillers" again, or do you let the kids play?
The Elephant in the Room: Deshaun Watson's $80 Million Problem
You can't talk about cleveland browns free agent signings without talking about the cap hit that looks like a typo. $80,716,514. That is Deshaun Watson’s cap charge for 2026. It is the largest single-season cap hit in the history of the NFL. Period.
Most people think this means the Browns can't sign anyone. That's a misconception. Basically, the Browns have one move: restructure Watson again. By converting his base salary into a signing bonus and pushing that "dead money" into void years in 2027 and 2028, Berry can instantly manifest about $35.7 million in cap space.
It’s kicking the can down the road? Absolutely. It's also the only way to field a competitive team. Without that move, the Browns can't even sign their draft picks, let alone a starting-caliber offensive tackle.
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The Looming Offensive Line Collapse
If there is one area where the Browns must act in free agency, it’s the trenches. The 2025 season saw four starters over the age of 30. That is a recipe for disaster in a 17-game season.
- Joel Bitonio: The legend. He’s 34 and considering retirement. If he leaves, there is a massive hole at left guard that a rookie might not be able to fill immediately.
- Jack Conklin: He ended 2025 on IR with a concussion. His contract has a "dummy year" in 2026, which usually means the team is preparing to move on.
- Wyatt Teller: He’s been a road grader for years, but the calf injury at the end of 2025 and a dip in consistency make his $10 million cap hit a target for relocation or release.
The Browns need a center. They need a tackle. They probably need a guard. You can’t find three starting offensive linemen in one draft. Not unless you're incredibly lucky. Expect the Browns to target a "bridge" veteran at left tackle—someone like a Cam Robinson if he hits the market—to protect whoever is under center while a high draft pick develops.
Surprising Targets: Could the Browns actually land Brandon Aiyuk?
There’s been a lot of smoke about Brandon Aiyuk and the Browns for two years. Some analysts think it’s a pipe dream. "Why would they spend on a WR when the O-line is a sieve?" But look at the Jerry Jeudy situation. Jeudy had a Pro Bowl 2024 but was largely a ghost in 2025. Amari Cooper isn't getting any younger.
If the 49ers finally decide to move on from Aiyuk, don't be shocked if Cleveland makes a play. Andrew Berry loves "distressed assets" or elite players in weird situations. It would require a massive contract restructure for Denzel Ward—whose $32.9 million cap hit is actually higher than Myles Garrett’s right now—but it's the kind of "all-in" move this front office is known for.
Why "Value Signings" Will Define the 2026 Offseason
The Browns won’t be the biggest spenders in the first 24 hours of free agency. They can't be. Their strategy will likely mirror 2025: signing mid-tier veterans to one-year "prove-it" deals.
Think about the interior defensive line. With Maliek Collins' status uncertain and Shelby Harris hitting age 34, the Browns need bodies. They’ll look for guys like Quinton Jefferson or maybe a reunion with a former Jim Schwartz disciple. These aren't the signings that get you a segment on ESPN, but they're the ones that prevent your defense from giving up 150 rushing yards a game.
The Coaching Factor
Here's something people overlook: free agents sign for coaches as much as they do for money. With Kevin Stefanski's future being the subject of intense debate after a losing season, players are going to be wary. If there’s a coaching change, the entire free agency strategy shifts. A new offensive coordinator might want a completely different profile for their wide receivers or tight ends.
What Really Happens Next
The Browns are at a crossroads. They have a roster that is top-heavy with elite talent like Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward, but the middle is rotting away due to age and injuries.
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Actionable Steps for the Offseason:
- The Watson Restructure: This has to happen by mid-March. It’s the starting gun. Until this is filed with the league office, the Browns are effectively frozen.
- The Ward Extension/Restructure: Denzel Ward is the best corner in the league when healthy, but his cap number is astronomical. Extending him or shifting his 2026 money is the only way to create "spending money" for outside free agents.
- Prioritize the "Swing" Tackle: The Browns cannot go into 2026 with the same tackle depth they had last year. Finding a veteran who can play both sides is more important than a flashy wide receiver.
- Decide on the 2025 Re-signings: Does Jerome Baker stay? Is Devin Bush worth another year? Clearing these internal hurdles early allows the front office to focus on the "big fish" in the second week of free agency.
Free agency isn't just about who you bring in; it's about who you decide you can live without. For the Browns, 2026 is going to be a year of tough goodbyes and high-stakes gambling on the health of aging veterans. The cap isn't a myth, but it is flexible—if you're willing to pay the price later.