The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Browns were opportunistic buyers in free agency
The Browns might not be done adding to the roster through free agency, but the first wave is definitely over.
General Manager Andrew Berry on March 25 discussed with Andrew Gribble of the team’s website the changes to the roster since the official start of the league year on March 27. Berry was not made available to the media covering the team for the interview.
“The general mindset entering free agency any year is to try to be opportunistic and address improving all areas of the roster,” Berry said. “I think we were in a position where we had enough flexibility from a cap perspective where if we felt there was a player who aligned with our needs, if their skillset matched what we want to do within our scheme and they fit the profile of smart, tough, accountable, young, durable, then we can go aggressively and attack that player.
“We were able to do that with John Johnson III, but really even after that, I think a lot of the free agent activity and how we navigate the free agent market is to try to be opportunistic buyers. I think that’s something we were really able to accomplish with the guys we added.”
Negotiations between teams and free agents were allowed to begin at noon, March 15. Within two hours, the Browns filled one of their biggest needs by agreeing with Johnson on a three-year, $33 million contract. Johnson was the top rated safety in this year’s free agent class, according to Gregg Rosenthal of NFL Network.
Berry went heavy on defense, adding cornerback Troy Hill, defensive end Takkairst McKinley, linebacker Anthony Walker and defensive tackle Malik Jackson. The Browns also re-signed linebacker Malcolm Smith to a oneyear contract.
It will be interesting to see how defensive coordinator Joe Woods uses Hill. Hill started 16 games at left cornerback for the Rams last year, but that has been Denzel Ward’s domain for three years. Hill could be over the slot receiver or play right cornerback if Greedy Williams is hampered by a shoulder injury that forced him to miss all of 2020.