Cleveland is gearing up for an exciting time as the NFL free agency period is set to kick off on Monday at noon. This marks the first real chance for teams to get in touch with players’ agents to discuss potential agreements. However, until the new league year starts at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, no official deals can be signed.
The Cleveland Browns are looking to make some fundamental moves to improve their roster. One player who has caught their attention is former Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields, who played last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, Fields may not be alone in the hunt for a new home. Reports indicate that the New York Jets are very interested in him, seeing potential for him to excel further in his career.
As for the Steelers, they are still in discussions with not only Fields but also Russell Wilson, who has considerable experience under his belt. The Steelers are keeping their options open regarding which quarterback they want to keep moving forward.
In a surprising trade move, the Seattle Seahawks are reportedly sending quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders for a third-round draft pick. Smith, who still has one year left on his contract worth $25 million, will reunite with his former coach Pete Carroll. This trade adds another layer to the Browns’ search for a veteran quarterback.
Kirk Cousins of the Minnesota Vikings also remains a topic of speculation. Reports suggest that he met with Falcons owner Arthur Blank, expressing a desire to find a starting role next season. Cousins has been linked with moving to other teams, including the Browns, depending on how things unfold.
Meanwhile, the situation with star defensive end Myles Garrett has intensified. He reached out to team owner Jimmy Haslam regarding his trade demand, but Haslam directed him to general manager Andrew Berry. Berry has stated firmly that the team is not looking to trade Garrett.
As the clock ticks down to the start of free agency, teams are finalizing their salary caps, with the Browns reporting approximately $12.5 million in available cap space after restructuring quarterback Deshaun Watson’s contract. With a salary cap set at $279.2 million for the 2025 season, the Browns will need to make some strategic decisions in the upcoming days.
As negotiations begin, all eyes will be on how the Browns and other teams adjust their rosters, considering the vast pool of available talent across quarterback, running back, receiver, and defensive positions.
