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It can't be denied that the Cleveland Browns have one of the more complete lineups on both sides of the ball in the NFL. Having said that, many thought that they could replicate their success in the 2020 season and finally vie for the Super Bowl title as a dark horse contender. However, things didn't go as planned as they failed to make it to the playoffs after finishing the season with an 8-9 record.
The upcoming 2022 offseason will certainly be a crucial one for the Cleveland Browns after an underwhelming campaign in 2021. As of the moment, the team is in a favorable position as they have $34 million in salary-cap space to make significant moves in the offseason.
Hopefully, the changes that they will bring to the table will be enough to bring the Browns back on their feet and help them return to the postseason sooner than later.
With that said, let's take a look at four bold predictions for the Browns in the upcoming offseason.
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Browns Offseason Predictions
4. They will secure D'Ernest Johnson.
Perhaps one of the most stable units of the team is its running back room which is led by Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. Having a high-caliber rushing duo at the helm, especially when healthy, has surely been one of the strengths of this Browns team in recent seasons.
In 2021, a young rusher in D'Ernest Johnson emerged after filling in for Chubb or Hunt whenever either running back missed time due to injuries. He introduced himself to everyone by generating a career-high 146 rushing yards and a touchdown in Week 7 against the Denver Broncos.
Johnson finished the season with 534 yards on 100 carries and three touchdowns in 17 appearances. However, he has already played out his three-year contract and is set to become a restricted free agent in the upcoming offseason.
With the way he played, it wouldn't be surprising if other teams call to acquire his services for next season. Despite the buzz, it seems like the Browns are still keen on matching any offer on the table to bring Johnson back for another tour of duty in 2022.
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3. Cleveland will continue to strengthen its offensive line.
Another solid group that the Browns have is its offensive line. In fact, the unit has been ranked as the eighth-best in the league for 2021, per Pro Football Focus. However, as good as they are, they can still find more ways to improve in order to provide better pass protection for their quarterback, whoever it may be.
A point of concern for the Browns is the right tackle position as Jack Conklin only suited up in seven games due to a torn patellar tendon. Having said that, the team can opt to acquire a veteran RT who can compete for the starting spot and potentially complement LT Jedrick Willis Jr. in the trenches next season.
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It may not be an alarming issue for now but the Browns will surely gain a major advantage on offense if they get to field a more cohesive offensive line in 2022.
2. The Browns will trade one of their cornerbacks to land a WR1.
One of the most stacked position groups of the Browns would surely be their cornerback unit. Denzel Ward has emerged to be the leader of the group while a rookie in Greg Newsome also made significant strides in his first year in the pros.
The talent of their slot corners in Troy Hill and A.J. Green also increased the depth of the position over the past season. Greedy Williams, who sat his 2020 campaign due to a shoulder injury, returned to the team and made his presence felt all season long as well.
However, he didn't see the same amount of action that he saw back in his rookie season when he was a full-time starter. Williams only started eight of 16 games played and recorded 41 combined tackles, 10 passes defended, and two interceptions. Yes, the LSU product might have successfully bounced back but he has yet to fully regain his starting spot due to the tight competition in the group.
Given his potential, many teams will surely want him on their respective rosters and Andrew Berry would be wise to use him as a trade asset in the offseason. At the age of 24, Williams can be included in a package in order to acquire one of the Browns' biggest needs which is a top wide receiver on offense for next season.
1. They will keep Baker Mayfield at the helm.
After a subpar season, more people have been pushing for the Browns to seek a replacement for Baker Mayfield at the starting quarterback position. Yes, the reasons for their clamor are certainly valid, especially after the 26-year-old tallied the most disappointing campaign of his career.
He ended the 2021 season with 3,010 passing yards on 253 completions and 17 touchdowns in 14 games played. However, it is also necessary for the public to understand the context behind a tough 2021 season for Mayfield.
His rift with former teammate Odell Beckham Jr. was publicly documented which eventually forced the latter to find a new team after getting cut. When the three-time Pro Bowler was gone, Mayfield was left on the field without a legitimate WR1 to throw passes to.
Moreover, he also nursed a shoulder injury in his non-throwing arm and a knee contusion but he managed to continue playing for the Browns during the regular season. Not to mention the fact that he had to play without his two offensive tackles in Jack Conklin and Jedrick Willis Jr. who missed time due to injuries as well.
Yes, Mayfield was quite disappointing at times but I still think that the Browns would give him another shot to prove himself on the field next season. If he fails to perform in 2022 then he will most likely have to explore his options when he becomes an unrestricted free agent come 2023.
