Predicting the free agent signings the Cleveland Browns will make in NFL free agency with the legal tampering period here
The Browns have an important week ahead with the construction of its roster through free agency.
The NFL offseason moves fast and we’re already at one of the most important weeks it has to offer. With the legal tampering period beginning today at noon ET, it’ll start an important few days for the Cleveland Browns and the rest of the NFL.
Cleveland’s moves should be centered around the offense more than anything, but they will have a couple of additions to be made on the defensive side. The Browns’ offensive line specifically will be a point of emphasis where all five players are set to be free agents.
Below I’m going to predict seven players whom the Browns could agree to sign or re-sign beginning today. One big question for Cleveland is what happens with LG Joel Bitonio, as it appears he’ll retire or play another season with the Browns.
QB Geno Smith
The Browns need to add a veteran quarterback to compete for the job and Smith should be one they’re in on if he’s interested in coming to Cleveland. There are folks around the NFL who believe Smith can still play, and the biggest problem in 2025 was the Las Vegas Raiders and not him. Smith wouldn’t cost a lot and he’s a welcome addition to the free agent market.
G/OT Alijah Vera-Tucker
Andrew Berry loves reclamation projects and Vera-Tucker could be the next. While healthy, Vera-Tucker has looked the part with the New York Jets, but he’s been unable to stay on the field. Vera-Tucker has spent most of his time at the guard spots but can also play tackle. The former first-round pick could compete with the next name to be Cleveland’s right guard ideally.
G/OT Teven Jenkins
Jenkins was an interesting addition for the Browns a year ago and he started just two games in 2025. With the Browns potentially losing all five starters from last year, Jenkins could be a guy to bring back. While he can play guard and tackle, Jenkins is best as a guard and could compete for the right guard spot with Wyatt Teller leaving.
TE Charlie Kolar
Cleveland is going to need another tight end with David Njoku set to leave in free agency. The Browns have their “mover” tight end in Harold Fannin Jr., who looked like a star as a rookie. Bringing in Kolar from Baltimore would make a ton of sense because he fits exactly what you need and has played for Todd Monken. Kolar can be Cleveland’s in-line blocking tight end for the next few years.
WR Darnell Mooney
Mooney recently hit the market as a cap cut from the Atlanta Falcons and he’s a solid wideout hitting the market. Mooney’s ceiling is to be a No. 2 wideout for an offense but he can fit at the No. 3 as well. Mooney has at least 400 receiving yards in his first six seasons. 2025 was a sharp dropoff to 443 receiving yards and a touchdown after going for 992 yards and five touchdowns the year before.
LB Devin Bush
Bush’s resurgence into looking like the player he was drafted in the first round out of Michigan in 2019. Bush had 125 tackles, two sacks, three interceptions, and two defensive touchdowns for the Browns last season. Even if it isn’t Jim Schwartz coaching the defense any longer, there’s no reason to fix what isn’t broken.
OT Braxton Jones
Cleveland already has their right tackle with the trade for Tytus Howard. The Browns could find their left tackle of the future in the draft, but they need to have a capable offensive line in place before then. Jones has been a solid left tackle when healthy, but that hasn’t been often lately. Jones will sign a short deal to prove himself again and would ideally battle to start with a rookie at left tackle.
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