Fansided

3 surprise cuts the Browns can make this offseason

By Russell S. Baxter

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 03: Baker Mayfield #6 talks with head coach Kevin Stefanski of the Cleveland Browns during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on January 3, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 03: Baker Mayfield #6 talks with head coach Kevin Stefanski of the Cleveland Browns during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on January 3, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OHIO – NOVEMBER 21: Andy Janovich #31 of the Cleveland Browns takes the field before the game against the Detroit Lions at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO – NOVEMBER 21: Andy Janovich #31 of the Cleveland Browns takes the field before the game against the Detroit Lions at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

They were arguably the most disappointing NFL team in 2021. Now the Cleveland Browns look again to rebound from a losing campaign.

From 11-5, its first postseason appearance since 2002 and first playoff victory since 1994 to 8-9 and a third-place finish in the AFC North.

Much more was expected from 2020 NFL Coach of the Year head coach Kevin Stefanski, quarterback Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns’ team that was aggressive in free agency last offseason. But there was a lack of complimentary football throughout the season. Now the team is unfortunately in a familiar position: Looking to rebound from a losing campaign.

As was the case a year ago, the Browns finished with the same record as the rival Baltimore Ravens. Only this time around, both of those teams missed the playoffs after claiming wild card invitations in 2020. So what changes could there be to Stefanski’s team?

3 cuts the Browns could make before free agency

3. FB Andy Janovich

Back in 2020, the Browns sent a 2021 seventh-round draft choice to the Denver Broncos for fullback Andy Janovich. It was a move that certainly made sense as new head coach Kevin Stefanski and the team were looking to not only add more balance to the offense but get the most out of their two-headed running back monsters aka Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.

But it is interesting to note that via Pro Football Reference that the former Cornhusker played in 14 games in ’20 and just 18 percent of the team’s offensive snaps. This past season, Janovich appeared in 13 contests and in only 11 percent of the Browns’ offensive snaps. Might the team go in a different direction here, although the six-year pro has seen plenty of action on special teams?

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