Cleveland browns signed deal with tj watts the steelers …
NFL free agency has begun on cleveland brown was already pick interest in tj watts , he might be coming to cleveland next season on a free transfer
NFL free agency has begun, and with analysis from our NFL Nation writers and expert ratings, we’re keeping tabs on every significant signing, trade, and release of the 2024 offseason. Wednesday marks the start of the new league year, which means that official free agency signings can then occur. ESPN will air the first round of the 2024 NFL draft on April 25.
The Cleveland Browns signed the following 2024 NFL free agents, and this is a summary of each signing’s potential influence on the upcoming season:
Winston agreed to a one-year deal with $4 million guaranteed, a $2.79 million signing bonus, $1.21 million base and up to $4.7 million available in incentives.
What it means: The Browns interestingly chose Winston over Joe Flacco to be Deshaun Watson‘s backup, even though Flacco went 4-1 to end the 2023 regular season as the Browns clinched their first playoff berth since 2020. Winston is nine years younger. But Flacco was a fan favorite who demonstrated he could thrive with head coach Kevin Stefanski. Browns general manager Andrew Berry said he wasn’t concerned that a Flacco return might amp up the pressure on Watson going into a critical third season. If Watson had continued to struggle out of the gate, would the fan base have clamored for Flacco? That’s one thing Watson or Berry won’t have to worry about now.
What is the risk? Is Winston a better option than Flacco? Flacco started five games for the Browns during the regular season and finished first in the league in passing yards per game. Since 2019, when he threw 33 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in his final season with Tampa Bay, Winston has only made ten starts combined. Last year, Watson struggled to maintain his health. If Winston is sidelined once more, Cleveland’s season may depend on his ability to duplicate Flacco’s output from the previous campaign.
What it means: Smith was a vital member of Cleveland’s defense, which finished the regular season ranked first in the league. In place of NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, he returns to anchor the end spot. The Browns were able to regularly use three defensive ends in addition to defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson because of Smith’s strength and adaptability. With Cleveland leading the league in three-and-out stop percentage, the Browns were at their finest in these settings, particularly on third down. Last season, Smith only had 5.5 sacks. Nevertheless, he was resilient, playing in 16 games.
