Here’s a preview of what to expect from the Cleveland Browns during the free agency period.
CLEVELAND — The NFL’s legal tampering period begins at noon on Monday, March 10. That date marks the start of negotiations with players and teams as we officially enter free agency season.
With that in mind, here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 Cleveland Browns’ free agency outlook ahead of the official start of the new league year on Wednesday, March 12, at 4 p.m.
Several of the Browns’ key starters, including Nick Chubb, Jedrick Wills Jr., Elijah Moore and Jameis Winston, are free agents this year, meaning they could potentially be on the move. Here’s the complete list:
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
- T Hakeem Adeniji
- TE Jordan Akins
- CB Tony Brown II
- LB Devin Bush
- T Geron Christian
- RB Nick Chubb
- G Michael Dunn
- CB Mike Ford Jr.
- RB D’Onta Foreman
- FB/C Nick Harris
- T James Hudson III
- LB Khaleke Hudson
- DT Maurice Hurst II
- G Germain Ifedi
- WR Elijah Moore
- WR James Proche II
- TE Geoff Swaim
- T Jedrick Wills Jr.
- QB Jameis Winston
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS
- DT Michael Dwumfour
- RB John Kelly Jr.
- LB Winston Reid (team tendered contract)
- TE Blake Whiteheart (team tendered contract)
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
- S D’Anthony Bell
- DE James Houston
- QB Bailey Zappe
CLEVELAND BROWNS’ 2025 FREE AGENCY NEEDS
For the Cleveland Browns, the 2025 offseason presents critical decisions regarding the quarterback position. With Deshaun Watson’s availability in question after his second Achilles injury in January, the Browns are faced with uncertainty at the most important position on the field. Watson, who underwent surgery to repair the injury, has an unclear recovery timeline, leaving his status for the 2025 season uncertain. This leaves the Browns with a major gap in their depth chart.
Meanwhile, Jameis Winston, who filled in as a backup in 2024, is set to be an unrestricted free agent. His potential departure further complicates the team’s situation. Given these challenges, the Browns must explore free agency and the draft to solidify their quarterback room for the upcoming season. The quarterback situation is the most pressing issue the Browns must address, and they may need to make bold moves.
Myles Garrett’s recent trade request has thrown uncertainty into the Cleveland Browns’ plans for their defense, as the star edge rusher expressed a desire to compete for a Super Bowl. For the moment, the Browns have made it clear that Garrett is not going anywhere. How the situation will play out is still unclear, as Garrett’s trade request could lead to further discussions.
Regardless of the outcome, the Browns’ need for an additional edge rusher remains pressing. While Garrett is a cornerstone of their defense, the Browns have often lacked consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks beyond his efforts. If Garrett stays, adding another dynamic pass rusher to complement him is crucial for improving the defensive front. If Garrett’s situation changes, the Browns will have to look to free agency to fill the void and strengthen their pass rush.
With Nick Chubb set to hit free agency in 2025, the Browns face the possibility of losing one of their most reliable and beloved players in recent years. Chubb has been the backbone of Cleveland’s running game, and if he reaches a deal with another team, the Browns will need to find a solution. Jerome Ford stepped up in Chubb’s absence last year and would likely continue to take on a larger role. However, the team will likely need to add depth by targeting a strong running back to fill the void.
Considering David Njoku’s injury history, the Cleveland Browns may need to make important decisions regarding their tight end depth for 2025. While Njoku remains a key part of the offense, his past injuries raise concerns about his ability to stay healthy throughout the season. With this in mind, the Browns will likely need to hold onto their free-agent tight end options, Jordan Akins or Geoff Swaim, to provide reliable depth at the position. They have also tendered a contract offer to exclusive rights-free agent Blake Whiteheart. If they don’t re-sign one of them, the Browns will almost certainly look to free agency to acquire a tight end who can contribute immediately and help balance the offense.
If there was one bright spot last season, it was Jerry Jeudy showing that he is capable of being a reliable and dynamic playmaker for the Browns’ receiving corps. While the team has solid options in Jeudy and Cedric Tillman, if the Browns choose not to sign Moore, they will likely look to free agency to find another target. With the probability of a new quarterback under center in 2025, adding another weapon would help strengthen the receiving unit and provide essential support, ensuring the offense is competitive.
The Cleveland Browns’ secondary is an area that needs improvement heading into 2025, particularly in terms of depth. While Denzel Ward is a top-tier cornerback, the Browns need a more consistent second corner to complement him, as Greg Newsome II has sometimes shown inconsistency. Additionally, depth remains a concern with the safety group as the Browns plan to part ways with veteran Juan Thornhill.
To strengthen the secondary, the Browns may look to free agency to add a reliable cornerback or safety. A veteran presence in either position could provide immediate help, whether as a starter or as key depth.
POTENTIAL FREE AGENT TARGETS
The player’s most recent team is listed in parentheses. Players are not listed in any particular order.
- Kirk Cousins (Atlanta Falcons)
- Sam Darnold ( Minnesota Vikings)
- Justin Fields (Pittsburgh Steelers)
- Russell Wilson (Pittsburgh Steelers)
- Daniel Jones (New York Giants)
- Joe Flacco (Indianapolis Colts)
- Josh Sweat (Philadelphia Eagles)
- Khalil Mack (Los Angeles Chargers)
- Azeez Ojulari (New York Giants)
- Joe Tryon (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
- Dayo Odeyingbo (Indianapolis Colts)
- Khalil Herbert (Cincinnati Bengals)
- A.J. Dillon (Green Bay Packers)
- JK Dobbins (Los Angeles Chargers)
- Travis Homer (Chicago Bears)
- Mo Alie-Cox (Indianapolis Colts)
- Zach Ertz (Washington Commanders)
- Johnny Mundt (Minnesota Vikings)
- Mike Gesicki (Cincinnati Bengals)
- Darius Slayton (New York Giants)
- Tyler Boyd (Tennessee Titans)
- Mack Hollins (Buffalo Bills)
- Zay Jones (Arizona Cardinals)
- Adoree’ Jackson (New York Giants)
- Isaac Yiadom (San Francisco 49ers)
- Michael Davis (Washington Commanders)
- Rock Ya-Sin (San Fransico 49ers)
- Avonte Maddox (Philadelphia Eagles)
- M.J. Stewart (Houston Texans)
- Jordan Fuller (Carolina Panthers)
- Jordan Poyer (Miami Dolphins)