Cleveland Browns urged to make one last move this offseason by ESPN that would make a whole lot of sense
It’s been an offseason of change for the Cleveland Browns from a new head coach to trading Myles Garrett. ESPN believes there is one more thing the team needs to do … and I agree.
The Cleveland Browns are past mandatory minicamp and won’t be back on the field until training camp begins in late July.
Cleveland has changed a ton about the team this offseason and they’ve gotten a whole lot younger. Even with the Myles Garrett trade, this team has upgraded significantly on paper with what they’ve been able to do on offense. As always, the success will depend on what the Browns can get from the quarterback position.
Browns should make one more key move before training camp begins
Safety Grant Delpit did not participate in mandatory OTAs and it likely has to do with the fact that he’s in the last year of his contract with no guaranteed money going forward. ESPN has labeled a Delpit extension as the one thing the Browns still need to do this offseason, which is very true.
“His contract is set to void after the 2026 season,” ESPN’s Aaron Schatz said. “He’ll be 29 years old for the 2027 season and could still play an important role on defense if the Browns are actually more successful at rebuilding this time. He would be a good veteran to keep around for the next couple of seasons.”
Delpit signed a three-year, $36 million deal with the Browns in Dec. 2023 and is set to be an unrestricted free agent in 2027. The Browns’ safety doesn’t turn 28 years old until September and another extension should be in the cards for both sides. Cleveland has Ronnie Hickman around on a one-year deal and rookie Emmanuel McNeil-Warren on a rookie deal. The Browns can afford to give Delpit another deal, and his level of play garners it.
In 17 games last season, Delpit recorded 89 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and one interception. He’s become a player who creates havoc in the box and can lay big hits. Delpit has been a consistent strong suit in the secondary along with CB Denzel Ward in Cleveland’s defense for years now.
Ideally, the Browns have McNeil-Warren becoming their most valuable safety at some point. Still, Delpit’s playing ability and leadership on the defense are a value the Browns need to keep around. I’d like to see a contract extension of two or three years done before training camp.