Grading the Browns’ free agent signings: Cleveland’s first wave of moves accomplished exactly what was needed
Grading all of the free agent signings the Browns have made to this point.
The dust has settled and we’re through a full week of NFL free agency. For the Cleveland Browns, it’s been almost all about improving on offense where they had to get better.
Cleveland started the process of improving the offensive line a couple of weeks ago when it traded for OT Tytus Howard from the Houston Texans. The Browns followed the move up by investing in the trenches some more in free agency.
With the first wave of moves over, let’s take a look at some grades for these additions.
G Zion Johnson
Johnson had just four penalties called on him in 2025, which is a strong number since he’s still a young player at 26 years old. Cleveland has Johnson under contract through the 2028 season, in what should be his prime.
Good free agent offensive line options are scarce and the Browns undoubtedly signed one of the best available. The pass blocking ability is a real worry, but his ability to be a strong run blocker is needed with Quinton Judkins entering Year 2. It’s no secret that new head coach Todd Monken is going to want to pound the rock.
Grade: B-
C/G Elgton Jenkins
Jenkins has experience as a left guard and center, but was most recently the Packers’ starting center in 2025 for nine games before he fractured his leg. Up to then, Jenkins had been what he’s been all his career, a good pass blocker and below-average run blocker. In 310 pass blocking reps last season, Jenkins gave up two sacks and 10 pressures.
Going this route paying $12 million a season to Jenkins with $20 million guaranteed feels like a better use of the cap than spending as much as the $28 million a season the Las Vegas Raiders are giving former Baltimore Ravens C Tyler Linderbaum, a player the Browns had interest in. Jenkins’ yearly value will come in tied for the fifth-highest in the NFL.
Grade: B+
LB Quincy Williams
Williams’ best season came in 2023 when he was named first team All-Pro with 139 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, one interception, and 10 pass breakups. The former Jet did have a bit of a down season in terms of his prior play in 2025 where he finished with 83 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 13 games.
Cleveland gets a proven player to replace Bush at a cheaper price point than the $30 million that Chicago gave Bush over three years. The coverage has to be better for Williams in 2026, and he’ll be surrounded by the makings of an elite defense to help make it happen.
Grade: A-
G Teven Jenkins
It’s unclear whether Jenkins will get a chance to start for the Browns at right guard, or if Jenkins will be playing there. Either way, the Browns felt good enough to bring Jenkins back for another year after he started the last four games last season in place of Wyatt Teller. Jenkins has starting potential but he’s a strong backup if the Browns go that route too.
Grade: C+
TE Jack Stoll
Stoll has been an inline tight end for 68.6 percent of his career snaps, per Pro Football Focus. He’s clearly just a guy you want out there to be a physical, extra blocker. It’s known that the Browns were in on former Baltimore Ravens FB Patrick Ricard, who would have served as the same kind of player in a way.
Cleveland has to run the ball better in 2026 and they have to protect the passer better. Stoll should help them do both of those things. While he’s no lock to make the roster, I think Stoll has everything Cleveland needs from its third tight end.
Grade: B+
DT Kalia Davis
Davis is a run-stopper first, with some ability to push toward the passer. The UCF product had 28 tackles and a half sack in 17 starts for San Francisco. Notably, the 6-foot-2, 310-pound defensive lineman batted down three passes, something Harris has been able to give the Browns along the defensive line.
There is a bit of familiarity here with why this signing probably happened. Davis was coached in San Francisco by Robert Saleh, now the Tennessee Titans’ head coach. Browns defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg coached under Saleh and their defenses do similar things. Davis is coming into a system he has some knowledge of, and it’s likely why the Browns were interested.
Grade: B
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