Free agency for the NFL is well underway as of Monday, March 10th, at noon Eastern time, when the legal tampering period marking the unofficial beginning of the new league year. The Cleveland Browns and Andrew Berry have unsurprisingly been active in free agency. The Browns have signed 13 free agents at the time of writing this article, some players are depth pieces while others are expected to be contributors for the Cleveland Browns during the 2024 NFL season. That said, 5 players seem to be the best moves for the Browns thus far in the free agency period to contribute to the team’s lofty expectations this season.

5. Nyheim Hines, RB

Nyheim Hines comes in as my number 5 pick of top moves for the Browns for one sole reason, special teams. Hines comes from the Indianapolis Colts where he did not play last year due to an off-the-field injury. The Browns’ returners over the last few years have not been the best. This is because the return specialist Jakeem Grant was injured before the last two seasons even started. Hines, who also has an injury history, joins the Browns in the hope of bringing stability to the return position. I like this signing due to Hines’ ability, I just hope we don’t have injury issues with him moving forward.

4. Devin Bush, LB

Devin Bush is an Andrew Berry special. A former first-round or high-round pick, with solid play in the past, has been the bread and butter of the Browns’ roster-building strategy since Andrew Berry took the reigns at GM in 2020. Devin Bush, a first-round pick had solid play for the division rival Pittsburgh Steelers in his younger years. He then departed for a season with the Seattle Seahawks, only playing in 7 games and starting in 1, Devin Bush looks to come to Cleveland and get back on track with his first-round status, filling the holes of players like Sione Takitaki and Anthony Walker who left for other teams in free agency and to the Browns’ credit, I see this being a perfect fit for the 25-year-old to do just that.

3. Quinton Jefferson, DT

Quinton Jefferson will be a rotational piece in the Browns’ defensive tackle room. That being said, I love Quinton’s game. Jefferson comes from the New York Jets where he achieved 6 sacks and a win rate of over 10%. The win rate is the more enticing side of those statistics as that’s exactly what you wanted to see out of a defensive tackle. Quinton Jefferson adds depth and skill to an already extremely talented defensive line room in Cleveland.

2. Jordan Hicks, LB

Jordan Hicks is my favorite new addition to the Cleveland Browns thus far in free agency. Hicks is a skilled linebacker that will pair well with the likes of Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and the previously mentioned Devin Bush. Hicks comes from the Minnesota Vikings where he had 107 tackles, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, an interception, and a touchdown. Hicks, an NFL veteran entering his 10th season in the league, brings valuable experience to this defense. I am excited to see him anchor the team in the 2024 NFL season

1. Za’Darius Smith, DE

Za’Darius was always going to be my number 1 pick for this list from the moment we signed him. There is one simple reason for this, he makes Myles Garrett and in turn the whole defense better. Za’Darius had a down year in terms of sacks for the Browns last year with only 5.5, he was the king of quarterback pressures which is arguably just as important in my mind. Za’Darius returns to Cleveland on a 2-year deal and looks to continue his case for being Myles Garrett’s best co-contributor, as well as his case for being one of the top-edge defenders in the NFL. Za’Darius and Cleveland have been a match made in heaven since the trade for him last year and I am excited for this partnership to continue.

I do not think the Browns are finished making moves, whether that be through trade like the Jerry Jeudy acquisition or more free-agency signings. However, I am excited and happy with what has been done thus far as I think the moves the Browns have made are smart, budget-friendly, and ultimately address the roster issues the team has faced.