In the NFL, you have to continue to adapt and better your team or you’re going to be left behind.

That’s the case for the Cleveland Browns and that’s the case for anyone they’ll play. One way to better yourself is being aggressive in free agency, or at least playing an active role.

You can never have enough playmakers and the Browns knew that as well as anyone when they began losing players to injury in 2023. At wide receiver specifically, it is going to be interesting to see how the Browns go about it.

A look at who the Browns could sign at wide receiver

As it currently stands, the Browns will roll into free agency with Amari Cooper, Elijah Moore, David Bell, Cedric Tillman, and Mike Woods on the roster. Whether it is in free agency or the draft, they’re going to add at least a couple of players. 

WR Calvin Ridley

I don’t believe the Browns make a splash bigger than Ridley in free agency. He is going to command a decent bag. In 2023, Ridley crossed 1,000 yards receiving for the second time in his career. Following a suspension for the 2022 season, Ridley proved he’s a very good WR2 in the perfect offense. Ridley would create a dynamic punch with Cooper and David Njoku as other pass-catching threats.

“Projected Contract: 3 years, $60.0 million, $20.0 APY, $27.5M GTD

Year One Cap Hit: $7.0 million

In his last two full seasons, Ridley has amassed 269 targets, 166 catches, 2,490 yards, and 17 touchdowns. Those totals would compare favorably with the two years preceding Terry McLaurin’s long-term extension with Washington following the 2021 season.” – A to Z Sports’ cap experts.

WR Gabe Davis

Davis is a player who has consistently produced since being a fourth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Davis has had Josh Allen as his quarterback, but he’s made big plays in big moments for the Bills. I think the Bills would be smart to bring him back, but he’s going to be a solid pickup for another team if not. Cooper and Davis on the outside for the Browns with Moore in the slot is a group that I would go to battle with.

Franchise Tag Likelihood: Low

Projected Contract: 3 yrs $37.5M, $12.5M APY, $15M GTD

Year One Cap Hit: $6.5 million

WR Marquise Brown

The Browns are all too familiar with Browns from his first three seasons in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens. Brown can give Cleveland a big play threat and speed, something the Browns don’t have a ton of currently on the roster at wideout. Brown will come in at that next tier of wide receiver pricing after Davis. I expect Cleveland is going to at least be interested here. 

Browns have a decision to make on their most expensive free agent that could weigh heavy

Cleveland has a choice to make at the position.