Browns Free Agency Madness in 2024: Tight End

The Cleveland Browns’ tight end room appeared outstanding in 2023. One was expecting David Njoku to have a breakthrough campaign. Harrison Bryant was a reliable blocker and a solid option in the red zone despite having three seasons with little production. Jordan Akins, a former favorite target of quarterback Deshaun Watson, was acquired from the Houston Texans.

The scene was prepared. However, as the season progressed, it became evident that this crew consisted of good and terrible cops.

In the offseason of 2023, Bryant received a renegotiated contract. That typically serves as a warning indication to the player that your roster spot is being questioned by management. At six feet five inches tall and 230 pounds, he possesses the build and size of an NFL tight end. He’s a free agent now.

Bryant’s productivity significantly declined, as he only managed 13 receptions for a meager 81 yards and three scores. After paying Bryant $4,833,028.00, what did the Browns receive in return? $54,304 was paid for each reception, $6,110 for each yard, and $483,303 for each touchdown. With the Browns, he has 89 receptions for 791 yards and 10 touchdowns with 11 drops in his four-year career. Bryant should have aimed to surpass the 791 yards every season, not just once every four years.

Akins never really had a career on the field. He’s still has one year left on his two-year contract, but the Browns can let him go and save $2 million.

With just 23 targets, Akins had 15 receptions for 132 yards and no touchdowns. No, there is a typo in this. A respectable salary for $1.1 million.

Njoku emerged as one of the offense’s few shining stars. He started 16 games, had 123 targets, 81 receptions for 882 yards, and six touchdowns. He was nominated to his first Pro Bowl. Late in the season, QB Joe Flacco made him a favorite target, and he gained valuable real estate after the catch. Additionally, 35 first downs were converted by his receptions.

March 13 is the start of the free agency period; nevertheless, March 11–12 is the legal tampering period.

It looks like Bryant and Akins will both be working for other companies this year, so either the draft or free agency will need to be used to bring in new players. Berry is unlikely to retain two costly tight ends because the top-ranked tight end in this year’s free agency class is Dalton Schultz of the Houston Texans, who will probably want a multi-year contract in the vicinity of $26 million.