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Cleveland Browns offseason | 4 impending free agents to try to re-sign
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- Cleveland Browns offseason | 4 impending free agents to try to re-sign
BEREA — The Browns are facing a lengthy list of free agents who were in their locker room last season. Obviously, not all of them will be in there next season.
A total of 24 free agents were on the Browns roster, including those on injured reserve, when the season ended with a wild-card round playoff loss. Many were players signed over the course of the season to help plug the holes created by injuries.
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Now the Browns have decisions to make regarding which free agents they want to keep in their plans for next season. Thankfully, we are here to help by pointing out four Browns free agents they should try to retain.
Naturally, price is an object, and none of these should be bank-breakers. That starts with a player at a specialized position the Browns have struggled to fill with consistent players.
Corey Bojorquez , punter
Browns punter Corey Bojorquez walks on the sideline during the second half against the Seahawks, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, in Seattle.
Can already hear the question: "Seriously? A punter?" Why, yes, seriously, a punter. Bojorquez showed in the two seasons he's been with the Browns the ability to be highly effective in many critical moments. Remember the 75-yard punt against the Jacksonville Jaguars ? How about the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award he won in the 2022 season for the way he pinned the Washington Commanders back regularly? Yes, there are streaks of inconsistency that crop up with Bojorquez, such as in the playoff loss. However, the good has outweighed the bad, so if the deal is reasonable why not go with continuity at a position that can be incredibly volatile?
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Michael Dunn , offensive lineman
Browns guard Michael Dunn stands on the sideline against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Dec. 10, 2023, in Cleveland.
Dunn has been incredibly valuable for the Browns over the last couple of seasons. Previously, it was mostly because of the role he played in their heavy sets, which they love to run. However, last season Dunn's value was in his ability to step into the lineup and play. Multiple times, Dunn was called on to do the unthinkable: replace Joel Bitonio because the star left guard was injured. Not only did he do that, he did it well. The value of a reliable backup offensive lineman was shown multiple times last season. Might as well keep around the one the Browns have, especially if they can get Dunn re-signed at the right price point.
Maurice Hurst II, defensive tackle
Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) and defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II (90) celebrate after a second-half stop on third down against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in Cleveland.
General manager Andrew Berry has been really good over his time with the Browns at targeting what you could call "scratch and dent" sales and getting productive players. Hurst was the latest example of that working out for Berry. The former University of Michigan product had struggled to get playing time previously with the Raiders and 49ers not because of a talent issue, but because of an injury issue. The flyer Berry took on Hurst in March paid massive dividends in the fall as he became a reliable playmaker in the defensive tackle rotation. Of course, the injury bug did end up biting Hurst again, this time in Week 14 when he suffered a torn pectoral muscle. Hurst has indicated a desire to come back to Cleveland , and Berry has, in his own way, expressed interest in keeping him. It may not happen the first week of free agency, but this seems like an ideal marriage to maintain.
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Sione Takitaki , linebacker
Browns linebacker Sione Takitaki is introduced before playing the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, in Cleveland.
In an ideal world, the Browns would bring both Takitaki and Anthony Walker Jr. back and call it a day with their linebackers. Both players have been not just solid on the field, but both are big in the locker room as well. The guess is that only one of the duo gets re-signed this offseason, although, if the price is right, maybe that changes. Anyway, if it is just one of the two, the guess here is that it's Takitaki over Walker for no other reason than the recent injury history. While both finished the 2022 season on injured reserve and still made it back by the start of last season, Walker sustained another season-ending injury in December. That injury may be the tipping point to keeping Takitaki over Walker.
Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Here are 4 impending free agents Browns should re-sign in offseason
