5 NFL teams that became playoff contenders in free agency
Cleveland Browns
The Browns were an epic disappointment in 2019 after assembling a star-studded roster. They have again made splashes in free agency but have done so in areas that held them back last year.
Jack Conklin should help solve some of the protection issues that plagued the Browns offensive line. Conklin will slot in at right tackle, with his presence likely to decrease the amount of pressure on quarterback Baker Mayfield.
The merits of paying tight end Austin Hooper $42 million over four years are debatable. However, he offers a productive and durable presence at the position that David Njoku has failed to provide.
Safety, another problem area in Freddie Kitchens’ sole season as head coach, was addressed with the signings of Karl Joseph and Andrew Sendejo. Andrew Billings’ one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Browns is the type of low-risk investment that could pay huge dividends if the former Cincinnati Bengal makes an impact on an excellent defensive line.
Next. NFL Free Agency 2021: 5 best players who could hit the open market. dark
The 2019 Browns hype train quickly veered off the tracks. Cleveland won’t receive anything close to the same attention in 2020 but, after the front office’s work so far this offseason, is in an excellent position to enjoy a bounce-back year and challenge the Baltimore Ravens for supremacy in the AFC North.