Club has cap space for free-agent splash
Browns expected to make run at safety Byrd, tailback Tate.
CLEVELAND
— The Cleveland Browns entered the weekend armed with $49.9 million in salarycap space, according to NFL Network, so they have enough financial flexibility to address some needs before the draft May 8-10.
The positions listed are ranked from what appears most likely to be addressed in free agency, which starts Tuesday, to what appears least likely.
Safety: If the Browns don’t re-sign T.J. Ward, they must find a new starter. Buffalo Bills threetime Pro Bowler Jairus Byrd, 27, is better in coverage than Ward and more versatile. He also spent this past season with new Browns coach Pettine, who was the Bills’ defensive coordinator for a year, so he could be a prime target.
Cornerback: In an ideal scenario, the Browns would sign someone to replace Buster Skrine in the starting lineup opposite Joe Haden. That would allow them to move Skrine to a nickel role in which he could excel covering slot receivers. Sam Shields (Packers) has been linked to the Browns.
Offensive line: Center Alex Mack wants to listen to offers, but the Browns have the power to match because they placed a transition tag on him. Assuming Mack ultimately signs the tag, which would lock him into a one-year, $10.039 million contract, the Browns still must find a starting guard to replace Shaun Lauvao, and they might also look for an upgrade over Mitchell Schwartz at right tackle. Guards to watch include Jon Asamoah (Chiefs), Zane Beadles (Broncos), Davin Joseph (Bucs) and Chad Rinehart (Chargers).
Tackles include Branden Albert (Chiefs), Anthony Collins (Bengals), Austin Howard ( Jets), Eugene Monroe (Ravens) and Michael Oher (Ravens).
Inside linebacker: There will be one new starter and probably two. Cutting defensive captain D’Qwell Jackson, 30, last week created a void. Craig Robertson was the other starter last season, and the Browns brought him back as an exclusive rights free agent. Robertson, though, proved to be a major liability in coverage. So it would make sense to look for one starter in free agency and another in the draft. Arthur Moats spent this past season with Pettine in Buffalo, so he would be a logical free-agent target. Pat Angerer (Colts), Jon Beason (Giants) and Desmond Bishop (Vikings) also are set to be available.
Wide receiver: Josh Gordon is an All-Pro. Pro Bowl tight end Jordan Cameron is certainly another formidable target, but the Browns still need a No. 2 receiver and a slot receiver. One could come from free agency and another from a draft class deep at this position. Players to watch on the open market include Eric Decker (Broncos), Golden Tate (Seahawks) and Ted Ginn (Panthers).
Running back: Securing a proven starter at this position should be one of the top priorities because if the Browns add a bona fide featured back, they would suddenly have a legitimate stable. Knowshon Moreno (Broncos) and Ben Tate (Texans) fit the description, and they have been linked to Cleveland. The Browns, though, might rather look for a bargain back in the draft who fits offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan’s scheme best. Under Shanahan’s guidance, sixth-round pick Alfred Morris rushed for 1,613 and 1,275 yards the past two seasons with the Redskins.
Quarterback: Brian Hoyer is the only one on the roster with a realistic shot to become the starter, and he’s trying to bounce back after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in October. With two first-round draft picks (Nos. 4 and 26 overall), the Browns could stop the bleeding at the most important position if they make the right choice.
Still, using free agency to secure a veteran capable of aiding the transition to Shanahan’s system can’t be ruled out. The Texans are expected to part ways with Matt Schaub, who’s scheduled to make $11 million next season. Rex Grossman also will be a free agent.