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Last offseason, the Cleveland Browns made numerous splashes, including making a trade for star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
Due to their work in free agency and on the trade front last spring, many had the Browns pegged as Super Bowl contenders heading into 2019.
However, Cleveland proved to be a massive disappointment, winning just six games and missing the playoffs entirely. The Browns then cleaned house, firing head coach Freddie Kitchens and general manager John Dorsey. They hired Kevin Stefanski and Andrew Berry as respective replacements.
Last month, Cleveland's new regime got busy rather quickly. They signed tight end Austin Hooper and offensive tackle Jack Conklin to bolster the roster. And now, the Browns are looking at bringing in defensive lineman Jadeveon Clowney.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN says that Cleveland actually thinks they can contend right now. Which is why they are trying to swing for the fences with all of these moves.
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Whether or not the Browns are legitimate contenders at this point is debatable. But there is no denying the roster is talented.
Cleveland's success in 2020 will largely depend on how Baker Mayfield bounces back from what was an overall dreadful sophomore campaign. Mayfield certainly has weapons in Beckham, Jarvis Landry and Hooper. And with the addition of Conklin, his offensive line has improved.
However, Mayfield needs to cut down on his interceptions, and the Browns' defense also needs to step up, as it ranked just 22nd in the NFL this past year.
It also doesn't help Cleveland's case that it plays in a tough AFC North division that houses the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers.
