The Cleveland Browns entered the office with no wiggle room to upgrade the roster in NFL free agency. However, on Thursday, the organization opened up close to $40 million in cap space by restructuring the contract of the most hated man in the city, Deshaun Watson.
Now, instead of having to rely solely on April’s NFL Draft to fill key needs, general manager Andrew Berry has more resources to fix a disappointing roster this past season. Cleveland isn’t going to pursue free agents at the high end of the market with the around $36 million they have available. However, there are quite a few players in their price range that could be huge difference makers in 2025.
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With all of that mind, here are eight impact players the Cleveland Browns could target in NFL free agency this month.
Justin Fields
The Browns have a big hole at quarterback. Even if Watson is ready in Week 1, they can’t trust he will stay healthy. And a rookie QB has big risks as well. They need another veteran QB and one player Cleveland might consider splurging on to improve the most important position on the field is Justin Fields. The former Bears star is a competent player who can help a team win games. On a short-term deal, he is a player the team should seriously consider in free agency.
Tyler Lockett
If the Browns want to add a proven, but budget-friendly receiver to the passing attack, one former star they could take a hard look at is Seattle Seahawks veteran Tyler Lockett. Sure, at 32 his best days are behind him. But with Jeudy proving he can be a reliable WR1 last season, Lockett just needs to be an impactful second option. He could certainly do that in Cleveland in 2025.
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Najee Harris
Along with the QB spot, the Cleveland Browns also have a gaping hole at running back because Nick Chubb is a free agent and is unlikely to return. It is a position that recent rumors suggest could be addressed early in the draft. However, bringing in a veteran player would be smart this offseason. One-time Pro Bowler Najee Harris has been an underrated and productive back throughout his career.
Throwing some good money at the Steelers veteran would not only land them a very nice player in the backfield but also hurt a top rival.
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Trey Lance
If Cleveland wants to add a veteran QB but not spend a lot of their available cash, former first-round pick Trey Lance may be an option. He disappointed in San Francisco and couldn’t even win the backup job in Dallas. However, he still has untapped talent. If the Browns coaching staff believes they can get more out of him than his previous teams, he would be an intriguing and affordable option to compete for the starting job in 2025.
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Stefon Diggs
Before last season, Stefon Diggs was viewed as one of the best wide receivers in the sport. However, eight lackluster games with the Texans and an ACL tear have significantly damaged his value in 2025. The Browns need more weapons in the passing game alongside Jerry Jeudy. Diggs won’t come cheap, but a one-year prove-it deal could benefit both sides next season.
Will Fries
If the Browns really want to improve the offense in 2025, they should look at improving their frontline. The best guard on this year’s market is Indianapolis Colts veteran Will Fries. He lost most of the 2024 season due to a broken tibia. However, the former seventh round pick has been a hidden gem in Indy and is likely to get a good contract after an impressive showing in 2023. He may be the type of player worth spending a good chunk of their available money on.
Christian Kirk
Another budget-friendly receiver option the Cleveland Browns could target to team up with Jeudy next season is seven-year veteran Christian Kirk. While he came nowhere close to living up to the $72 million deal he got from the Jaguars two seasons ago, he is still only 28 and could end up being a steal in free agency if the market for his services is weak this spring.
Mekhi Becton
Two years ago, Mekhi Becton seemed like a classic draft bust. However, after a change of scenery and position in 2024, he was a great addition to a dominant Eagles rushing attack this past season. While he won’t come cheap, he has experience playing guard and tackle and could be an impact player that can be plugged into either spot to bolster the Browns’ O-line next season.