Heading to the 2021 season, the Cleveland Browns were projected to be a darkhorse Super Bowl contender that could make significant noise in the AFC. Unfortunately, things didn't go as expected as the team failed to secure a seat in the playoffs with an 8-9 record. It was definitely an underwhelming campaign for a Browns side that is considered to have one of the most complete rosters in the league this season. In this post, we'll be looking at Browns 2022 NFL Free Agency targets — or, more accurately, guys currently on the roster they should re-sign.
After falling short of a postseason stint, Cleveland's decision-makers will now head back to the drawing board in a bid to strengthen the team's roster. An important offseason is certainly looming on the horizon as the Browns attempt to see which talents should be rightfully retained on their lineup for next season.
With that said, here are the three best players that the team must re-sign for 2022:
Browns 2022 NFL Free Agency Targets
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3. Malik McDowell
Browns defensive tackle Malik McDowell remains to be one of the talents that continues to fly under the radar as he plays behind the shadows of his fellow linemen in the team's defensive line. Before this season, he was labeled as a bust who was picked by the Seattle Seahawks in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
McDowell failed to suit up on the field for the team as he got involved in numerous off-field issues and even served time in jail before the Browns gave him a second lease on his career during the past offseason. He received a one-year deal worth $660,000 to prove himself in the Browns' training camp and try to be named to the team's 53-man roster for the season.
The 25-year-old rookie surely didn't waste the opportunity as he successfully climbed the team's depth chart and eventually appeared as a starter in 14 games. He notched a total of three sacks, 33 combined tackles, and five quarterback hits in 15 games played for the Browns this season.
Although McDowell is still quite raw as compared to his peers of the same age, one simply can't deny the potential that he has to be a valuable role player in the league further down the road. Currently, the lineman needs more playing experience in the league due to the time that he has spent away from football but his contributions in 2021 have shown that he is worthy of staying longer in Cleveland moving forward.
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2. David Njoku
Last season, tight end David Njoku had a rocky relationship with the Browns as he previously requested to be traded to a new squad. His wish wasn't granted but the Miami product still went to work and tried to be a better contributor to the team.
Njoku eventually saw one of the more productive campaigns of his career in 2021 as he compiled 475 receiving yards on 36 receptions and four touchdowns in 16 appearances. Being a pass-catching tight end has always been his calling card but he has also shown improvements in blocking over the course of the season.
Without a doubt, the 25-year-old is the team's TE1 and is currently serving as one of the most pivotal pieces of the Browns' offensive attack. His four-year, $9.5 million contract signed back in 2017 is already expiring and the team would be wise to prioritize inking him to a new deal before anyone scoops him up in the upcoming offseason.
Last year, the Browns wanted to beef up their defensive front which led them to recruit free-agent talents that can play alongside star defensive end Myles Garrett for the 2021 season. One of their choices was veteran pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney who has long been linked with the team but no deal ever came to fruition until the past offseason.
General manager Andrew Berry tried his luck on the 28-year-old who underperformed for the Tennessee Titans last season due to injuries. Due to the risk that came with his signing, both sides only agreed on a one-year, $8 million contract in the offseason.
The three-time Pro Bowler played above and beyond the paycheck that he received as he recorded nine sacks, 37 combined tackles, and 19 pass deflections in 14 appearances as a starter. Through the course of the season, he was able to form a formidable duo with Garrett and also aided in his development to become a solid DPOY candidate in 2021.
With his high level of production, Clowney has proven that he is capable of serving as a future cornerstone of the franchise for the years to come. After an impressive campaign, locking him up to a longer deal should definitely be a no-brainer for the Browns in the upcoming offseason.
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