Steelers' Rivals Report: Checking in With The Browns

Story by Yinzer Crazy Contributor Anthony DiCerbo. Follow him on Twitter @Snarfvenom

In football, scouting your opponent is an important aspect of the game. To beat your enemy, you need to know them. In an offseason that saw the Steelers making big changes to their team, it is important to know that they weren’t the only team making moves. All the teams in the AFC North made significant efforts to improve this offseason, but with all the news coming out of Pittsburgh you may have missed it. It’s time to check in on the rest of the AFC North and see what they’ve been up to this offseason. 

In this article, we’ll take a look at the Browns and what their offseason included, what to look out for, and what they might look like when it comes time for them to play the Steelers. 

2021-2022 Season Results: 8-9 (Missed Playoffs), 3rd in AFC North, 3-3 against the division

Additions: Deshaun Watson, Amari Cooper, Ethan Pocic, Jacoby Brissett, Josh Dobbs, Chase Winovich, Jakeem Grant

Departures: Jarvis Landry, Troy Hill, Mack Wilson, Austin Hooper, JC Tretter, MJ Stewart

Resigned: Jadeveon Clowney, Sheldon Day, Chris Hubbard, Anthony Walker Jr

Extended: Denzel Ward, Deshaun Watson, David Njoku 

Despite entering a new era of Steelers football, the Browns might be the team in the division to have the biggest changes this offseason. Their biggest acquisition comes in the form of quarterback Deshaun Watson. Watson’s issues are well documented by this point, but the Browns still pulled the trigger regardless. 

The trade also saw the Browns sign Watson to a massive contract extension. Handing a five-year $230,000,000 deal to a player with some serious allegations. The Browns also handled the contract of corner Denzel Ward, inking him to a five-year $100,500,000 deal to stay in Cleveland. 

They swapped out Jarvis Landry in favor of Amari Cooper and traded linebacker Mack Wilson to the Patriots for Chase Winovich. It took a while, but the Browns eventually agreed to another one-year deal to bring back Jadeveon Clowney. 

The Browns finally made their decision at tight end, franchise tagging, and then signing David Njoku to a large contract extension. His old trade request seems to be water under the bridge at this point. 

Watch out for new Browns signing Jakeem Grant. In an underrated signing, the Browns landed an electric returner, so Danny Smith’s units will have to be on point against Cleveland this year. 

Draft Class: CB Martin Emerson (Pick 68), EDGE Alex Wright (Pick 78), WR David Bell (Pick 99), DL Perrion Winfrey (Pick 108), K Cade York (Pick 124), RB Jerome Ford (Pick 156), WR Michael Woods ii (Pick 202), EDGE Isaiah Thomas (Pick 223), OL Dawson Deaton (Pick 246) 

This year’s draft class for Cleveland has some intriguing names in it. After the trade for Deshaun Watson, the Browns were a little low on picks, and this year saw them trade back multiple times. They will be running with rookie kicker Cade York for this season after selecting him in the fourth round. Watch out for David Bell and Jerome Ford this season on offense. Both players are capable of some highlight plays. The Browns will also be playing with quite a young secondary, highlighted by players like Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome iii, Martin Emerson, and Greedy Williams.



Stay tuned as we break down the defending AFC North Champions and Super Bowl Representative Cincinnati Bengals next!