The Cleveland Browns are coming off an 11-win playoff season while having 26% of their salary cap on Injured Reserve. The team could easily rest back on their laurels and consider getting players back healthy a team upgrade from last season. But that was not enough for the Owner and Front Office.

Shortly after the season ended, the Browns replaced their offensive coordinator and several offensive assistant coaches as a shake up to improve and modernize the 2024 Browns offense. Also, prior to free agency starting the team traded for a legitimate number two receiver in Jerry Jeudy.  These are not the actions of a team being content on making the playoffs.

As the official signing period of free agency begins on Wednesday March 13th, the Cleveland Browns will be strategically aggressive in the market. They will not overpay for a free agent.  What we will most likely see is quality signings. Nothing that would be earth shattering or big splash signings. The rumors were out there regarding DT Christian Wilkins from the Dolphins. The problem with that situation is that the Browns will have to outbid other teams for his services, and they didn’t do that. He went to the Raiders. I could see the Browns signing another DT like D.J. Reader from Cincinnati. He was injured last year and could be had for a more reasonable contract. When healthy he is an excellent defensive tackle. High value signings and trades are a part of the Browns broader strategy. Which is why the resigning DE Z ’Darius Smith and DT Maurice Hurst happened. We also we signed LB Jordan Hicks from the Vikings.

GM Andrew Berry and the Cleveland Browns know that the time to win is now. They have the core of players hitting the prime of their career like Myles Garrett, David Njoku, and Denzel Ward. These are all perennial pro bowl players that are under long term contracts. Trades and free agency signings will be for complimentary players to help this team win. As long as we have an owner willing to restructure contracts and Andrew Berry managing the salary cap. This roster is sustainable, and the window of opportunity will be open longer than people think.