Exclusive: Top Browns players set to enter free agency in 2024
One of the biggest stories of the Cleveland Browns’ 2023 season was their top-ranked defense.
Under new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, the Browns led the NFL in the regular season giving up an average of 270.2 yards per game and had the No. 1 passing defense (164.7 yards per game). The Browns were also the third-best team, allowing opponents to convert just 29.1 percent of their attempts. They allowed the fewest downs per game in the league at 14.9.
The defense’s production was a big reason Cleveland overcame a team-worst 37 turnovers and an 11-6 record en route to the playoffs. The Browns have had a lot of success, but the nature of the NFL dictates roster changes.
“One of the things you realize is the only constant in the NFL is change,” general manager Andrew Berry said in last week’s postseason press conference. “When I met you after 2020, you said that even for the best teams or teams with a lot of men, they usually rotate a third of the team and it has nothing to do with the record.”
Pro Football Focus has released a list of the league’s top 150 free agents. Here’s the Browns staff that made the selection, and unsurprisingly, each player played top-notch defense.
1. Za’Darius Smith
Rank: No. 42
PFF says: “Smith was traded from the Minnesota Vikings to the Cleveland Browns this past offseason and had his contract restructured to a one-year deal worth $11.677 million. This is an amount that again far exceeded its price. Smith has the size and explosiveness to rush from the A gap to a two-point position as an outside linebacker, and has posted a passer grade above 80.0 over the past four seasons. Justin Houston’s two-year, $23 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts, which included $18.5 million in total guarantees he signed in 2019, is also a relatively strong deal here. “
Our Analysis: Smith took some time to start producing sacks and finished the year with 5.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble. However, PFF gave him 61 total pressures and an 86.8 grade, the second-best passer grade of his career. The Browns still need a solid win over Myles Garrett, and if Smith wants to return, another year in Schwartz’s plans could lead to more sacks in both seasons. Garrett won 14 games and finished with 16 losses after missing each of the last two seasons.
2. Maurice Hurst
Rank: No. 95
What PFF Says: “Hurst was coming off a stellar performance as a rotation player, but unfortunately suffered a pectoral injury that ended his NFL career after just a few stops. Hurst, who was limited to just 41 snaps in 2021 due to a calf injury, missed the 2022 season with a torn biceps during training camp.
“This year, Hurst’s pressure rate is over 10 percent, which is a strong mark for an inside linebacker, and his passer rating is over 75.0. He won’t be signed beyond the career minimum until he proves he can consistently perform. “It may be possible, but it has great benefits that will unleash your inner rider and his game, making it very effective for stunts and tricks. Tricks. Spins.”
Our Analysis: Hurst has been an underrated key piece on the D-line this year and has the potential to make an impact because of his knowledge of the system. His teammates called him “The Tech” and he was the one to answer questions because he played in a system similar to the 49ers. Injuries have been a problem throughout his career, but the pectoral injury this season was surprising and seemed more like a freak injury than a serious one. The Browns can bring him back for a steal and if they can make him work, he could be an underrated contributor.
3. Shelby Harris
Rank: No. 103
What PFF Says: “Harris still has great passing ability, but he’s not a full-time player at this point. He fits well in Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz’s platoon approach, has a good motor and makes good catch plays. “With fewer shots, you can create a very effective rotation player.”
Our analysis: As with Hurst, the Browns could get him relatively cheap. He has been a great veteran voice and leader on the D-line this year and could contribute well in that rotation role. In Schwartz’s scheme, he likes to rotate eight or nine players in and out of the line, so rotation pieces are more important to his scheme than others.
