Offseason Analysis Series: Cleveland Browns

Meaningful Additions: QB Deshaun Watson, WR Jakeem Grant, QB Jacoby Brissett, WR Amari Cooper, DL Taven Bryan, CB Martin Emerson, LB Alex Wright, WR David Bell, DL Perrion Winfrey

Meaningful Losses: QB Baker Mayfield, TE Austin Hooper, WR Jarvis Landry, C JC Tretter, EDGE Takk Mckinley, DL Malik Jackson, WR Rashard Higgins

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What Happened Last Year?

(8-9) Third in AFC North

Offense

Cleveland's ground game continued to be outstanding in 2021. Behind their elite offensive line, the Browns finished with the fourth most rushing yards in the NFL. In 14 games, powerhouse back Nick Chubb racked up 1,259 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns on 5.5 yards per carry on his way to another Pro Bowl appearance. Kareem Hunt was banged up all season and missed nine games, but D'Ernest Johnson filled in nicely and looks like the guy that will replace Hunt if the team fulfills his trade request.

The real issue for the Browns was their passing game. They finished 27th in the NFL in passing yardage and former first overall pick Baker Mayfield put together a lackluster season while playing with an injured left shoulder. The injury occurred in week two when Mayfield attempted to make a tackle after throwing an interception. Mayfield was not the same player after the injury and by trying to tough it out, he essentially played the Browns out of contention. Mayfield threw for 17 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 14 games causing Cleveland's pass catchers and teammates alike to become disgruntled. In particular, Odell Beckham Jr./Beckham's father expressed their frustrations with Mayfield's poor play ultimately forcing the Browns to release Beckham. Wideout Jarvis Landry who had been one of the most reliable receivers in football over the previous 7 seasons, had the worst campaign of his NFL career and battled injuries recording just 52 receptions for 570 yards and 2 touchdowns. On a brighter note, second year receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones led the team in receiving with 597 yards and finished 3rd in the NFL with 17.6 yards per reception.

Defense

Denzel Ward and Myles Garrett were the headliners of Cleveland's 2021 defense. Ward was the leader of the Brown's fifth ranked pass defense and played like the shutdown corner he was drafted to be, leading to his second Pro Bowl selection. Cleveland's secondary also got meaningful contributions from rookie corner Greg Newsome and Greedy Williams who had missed 2020 due to injury. Rookie linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah made a number of highlight-worthy plays in his first season and figures to be a major part of Cleveland's plans on defense for years to come. Myles Garrett continued to be a game-wrecker and was voted first-team All-Pro team for the second straight season. One of the elite edge defenders in football, Garrett set career highs in sacks with 16.5, tackles for loss with 17, and quarterback hits with 33.

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What's Changed?

Deshaun Watson

Deshaun Watson and the NFL reached a settlement agreement earlier today for Watson's involvement in more than 20 sexual assault allegations. The agreement's terms state that Watson would be suspended for 11 games of the 2022 NFL season and be given a 5 million dollar fine (the largest fine ever imposed on a player). Originally, retired judge Sue L. Robinson heard the evidence against Watson and suspended him for just 6 games finding that his behavior was "egregious" and "predatory". The NFL decided to appeal that decision and Judge Peter Harvey was then appointed by commissioner Roger Goodell to hear the appeal. Harvey wanted to give the two sides time to reach a settlement and they reached the aforementioned agreement which allows Watson to be back on the field for a week 13 matchup with his former team, the Houston Texans. The punishment against Watson is significant and he has to complete treatment for his issues in order to be reinstated, but I was shocked that the NFL did not push harder for a year long ban of Watson.

As I mentioned in my Offseason Analysis of the Houston Texans/Carolina Panthers, Watson was traded to the Browns for a number of picks and the Browns traded Mayfield to Carolina as a result. As part of the Watson deal, Cleveland signed him to the largest fully guaranteed contract in NFL history at 230 million dollars over the next 5 years. I don't know how Cleveland's ownership could justify a contract of that nature for Watson who has done nothing but make a mess for them. Watson is an incredible football player, but it is disturbing to think that his skill on the football field has blinded so many people.