Free agency kicks off today around the NFL with the legal tampering period and things will surely hit the fan.

Cleveland Browns sort of started the fireworks early by trading for WR Jerry Jeudy, which may have checked one free agency need off of their list.

There are plenty of fits for the Browns out there and they’ll be able to be as active as they want with contracts still to be reworked. Today, I’m going to predict eight signings the Browns will make. There will be more than that overall by training camp, but here’s what I’m rolling with.

** All contract projections from PFF, unless noted as one from here at A to Z Sports.

Cleveland Browns resign some familiar names in free agency

EDGE Za’Darius Smith

Projected contract: 2 Yrs $20M, $10.0 APY, $12M fully GTD

The Browns bring back an edge rusher that they know fits their system and can play well in it. Smith is projected by us here at A to Z Sports to get a two-year deal, which would be good for the Browns to continue building their depth. Smith only had 5.5 sacks last season but he had a whopping 60 pressures. He’s an effective player that fits nicely for Jim Schwartz’s system.

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DT Maurice Hurst

Projected contract: 1 Yr $1.75M, $1M GTD

I was bummed when Hurst went down after 13 games and looked to have really bounced back in the NFL. Hurst was having possibly his best season yet as depth with the Browns with 18 pressures and 22 tackles, as well as an 81.0 PFF grade. Bringing back Hurst is easy in my book.

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DT Shelby Harris

Projected contract: 1 Yr $3M, $2M GTD

Much like Hurst, Harris gave the Browns good depth in the middle of the defensive line in 2023. Harris had 28 tackles and 1.5 sacks and was healthy all season for the Browns. The veteran had 18 pressures and a forced fumble. Bringing back Harris for a year lets you mold a draft pick.

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LB Sione Takitaki

Projected contract: 2 Yrs $5M, $2.75M GTD

Takitaki is a solid SAM backer and has shown promise filling in as the MIKE too like he did for Anthony Walker Jr. last season. Takitaki is good in run support and a friendly deal should land him back in Cleveland.

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QB Joe Flacco

Projected contract: 1 Yr $5.5M

In this instance, Flacco does not land a job to be a bridge quarterback and doesn’t receive the contract that Jacoby Brissett did last year. Bringing back Flacco gives the Browns someone who can come in and keep the passing game rolling.

Newcomers the Cleveland Browns end up signing in NFL Free Agency

RB Zack Moss

Projected contract: 2 Yrs $7.5M, $5M GTD

Moss gives you a nice security blanket behind Nick Chubb that can start if needed. He started eight games for the Colts last season while Jonathan Taylor was out and had 794 rushing yards at 4.3 YPC. Miss was with the Buffalo Bills from 2020-2022 and has a past relationship with Browns OC Ken Dorsey.

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DT DaQuan Jones

Projected contract: 1 Yr $6M, $6M GTD

Jones only played in seven games last year due to an injury but remains a productive veteran in this league. Jones can give the Browns a starter for a year and they’ll have to go back to the drawing board again next year.

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LB Blake Cashman

Projected contract: 2 Yrs $8.5M, $5.25m GTD

Cashman became a starter last year and was solid in Houston with 106 tackles, 2 sacks, and an interception in 14 games. He’s now set to get his first solid deal in the NFL and the Browns should be a team interested in the 27-year-old linebacker. 

Browns new weapon Jerry Jeudy may have landed in the best place for his career path

It makes sense that he breaks out.