The Cleveland Browns have plenty of space to work with them

The Cleveland Browns have some clear needs to face this offseason, especially on defense. Some of the requirements will be filled in by players like safety corner Greedy Williams and Grant Delpit – none of whom have played this year. The Browns also have their own select versions, giving them a cost-effective way to build the roster if they can be successful in the draft.

Cleveland, however, will have money to spend in a free agency. As pointed out by ESPN ‘s Field Yates, Cleveland will carry $ 30 million in replacement cap into the offseason – the highest overall number in the league and far more than regional rivals like the Ravens ( which has less than $ 1 million) and the Steelers (which has an additional $ 4.95 million). That is a boon for Andrew Berry and Cleveland headquarters.

The Browns also estimate $ 21,466,782 in cap space to work with prior to that, per Over The Cap. And, if they want, Berry and company can create even more money but allow players to go with very little dead money. Examples, all over the cap:

• Jarvis Landry: $ 11.8 million in cap savings vs $ 3 million in dead cash
• Odell Beckham Jr .: $ 15.75 million in cap savings vs $ 0 in dead cash
• Sheldon Richardson: $ 12 million in cap savings vs $ 1.6 million in dead cash
• Chris Hubbard: $ 3.6 million in cap savings vs $ 1.3 million in dead cash
• Andy Janovich: $ 1.45 million in cap savings vs $ 0 in dead money
• David Njoku: $ 6 million in cap savings vs $ 0 in dead money

Now, Richardson and Hubbard are far, far more likely to go than Landry or Beckham. Let’s do that again: Richardson and Hubbard are far, far more likely to go than Landry or Beckham. They are older and easier to replace, at least in theory. Richardson, at 30, would look more likely to go, but it is also possible that he and the team will restructure a contract and stay. This is all in flux right now. Also worth noting: the NFL cap could be a disaster that will cause many players to get a cut if cap numbers fall sharply due to COVID-19-induced revenue losses. Right now, it’s not clear what that looks like and the NFL and NFLPA need to be reconciled.

For the Browns, inside deals have to be done before you look into a free agency. For starters, Baker Mayfield is going to want an extension (and he deserves it) even if the team picks up his fifth-year pick. Denzel Ward also has an extension and should get a big deal as one of the best corners in the league. That eats into a cap space down the line, but not immediately. Nick Chubb is ready for a new contract as well, but that’s a lot more complicated considering how back-run contracts are being delivered at the moment. Rashard Higgins, who developed a nice relationship with Mayfield as Mayfield rose near the end of the season, is also joining a free agency and will need a new contract if Cleveland wants the blanket. red floor to keep going.

From there, the Browns had to look at a possible new deal for Larry Ogunjobi’s defensive tackle, who is set to hit a free agency. Cleveland may have to try to re-sign him, even if it’s a bit costly, especially if Richardson admits it.

After that, he looks for a protective and deep start. The team only have Ward as a legit starting corner and may need safety options beyond Delpit coming off an Achilles injury and returning players like Ronnie Harrison and Andrew Sendejo. (Karl Joseph is also going to a free agency and would have to return if the Browns want him.) Linebacker needs to be revamped as well, although Berry ‘s history suggests Cleveland will not. costs a lot in the situation. Myles Garrett needs the help of a pass rush with Olivier Vernon a) joins a free agency and b) has torn his Achilles.

Will all needs be solved through a free agency? No – that looks ambitious and not depending on how the league works most of the time. But replacing a cap, as well as the ability to create more, is a good thing with the Browns as they look to build on this year.