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The Cleveland Browns should be huge buyers in the upcoming free agency period that begins March 9. GM Andrew Berry can’t sit around and hope that he gets the players he wants in April’s NFL draft. So, strike now and get guys to fill holes.
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However, just because Cleveland has holes in groups such as the offensive line and receiver room doesn’t mean Berry should overpay for talent. Think: Juan Thornhill or Dalvin Tomlinson.
Many free agents will have a single season that produces huge-money numbers, but later the team finds out it is a one-hit wonder, and those great paydays become a huge waste of capital needed to address other areas of need.
Berry must choose wisely this year. No more Cornelius Lucas clones or Andrew Sendejo types.
Here are three free agents available in this year’s market for the Browns to investigate a little bit longer because of their risk factors.
RT Braden Smith (6’-6”, 312 pounds)
Indianapolis Colts
Age: 29
2025 PFF: 65.3
The Browns are certainly in the market for at least one starting offensive tackle and one quality backup who has starting experience. And it just so happens that the right tackle spot appears vacant at the moment.
Smith is a crafty player who has 105 NFL starts. He has only played for one team and has been very durable, although he missed games last year with a neck injury. But in 2024, he was diagnosed with OCD called religious scrupulosity. This disorder centers around his excessive worrying about violating religious or moral doctrines.
On the field, Smith is a gym rat with a bulky frame and is very strong. Has an adequate punch and absorbs contact. He is a mauler in the run game and has lots of power upon attack. Good body control and an exceptional pass blocker, as witnessed by his 71.9 PFF grade. Allowed only one sack in 2025, but had six penalties.
He would be a welcome addition, but Berry shouldn’t sign him to too many years long-term and the smallest amount of guaranteed money the better. He remains a solid player, but in 2024, he considered retirement because of his condition. Smith is a legitimate, proven starter who has anchored the right side of the Colts’ offensive line for eight consecutive seasons. Keep it short and simple.
Projection: Two years, $32 million
OG Alijah Vera-Tucker (6’-5”, 308 pounds)
New York Jets
Age: 26
2024 PFF: 77.7
Vera-Tucker is a very talented offensive guard who offers versatility. He possesses a high IQ and excels with quick lateral agility.
The Browns will most likely have both guard spots open now that Wyatt Teller has said his goodbyes to the fanbase, Joel Bitonio will most likely retire, and Teven Jenkins is listed on the team’s free agent list.
An excellent technician, Vera-Tucker is a plug-and-play guy from Week 1. He can play four spots on the offensive line and is a solid guy who is nimble and quick.
The issue with Vera-Tucker is why the Browns are allowing RT Jack Conklin seek other employment opportunities. He cannot remain healthy. Which isn’t his fault, but the Browns already have one of these guys. Two if you include Dawand Jones.
Vera-Tucker played all 16 games as a rookie and was selected to the NFL All-Rookie Team. In his second year, he played both tackle spots before a torn triceps in Week 7 ended his season, and he found IR his new home after playing in just seven games.
In 2023, he returned as the Jets’ starting right guard and then moved to right tackle after some injuries along the line. In Week 5, he went down with an Achilles injury and was placed on IR. New York picked up his fifth-year option, and he played 15 games in 2024.
During the following training camp, Vera-Tucker tore a triceps tendon in a practice session and was lost for the season. Sounds like a Conklin rerun. He is a very talented offensive guard who offers versatility. He is still a young man, possesses a high IQ, and excels in quick lateral agility. When healthy, he is a very capable prospect.
Berry should be very cautious about signing Vera-Tucker, and if he decides to take a chance based solely on talent, the contract should be short and without guarantees.
Projection: One-year, $7 million
CB Nahshon Wright (6’-4”, 199 pounds)
Chicago Bears
Age: 27
2025 PFF: 65.1
This is a guy who was just happy being on an NFL roster when he signed a one-year deal with the Bears this past year. Then, he exploded with five interceptions, 80 tackles, 11 batted passes, and allowed just six touchdowns. Plus, being named to his first Pro Bowl.
Which could mean that Wright is a player on the rise, or had a really good season in the precise system that placed him around the ball quite a bit. Now with a Pro Bowl year and only on a one-year prove-it deal, he wants bank for his next contract.
Berry should be cautious with this. And the Browns need another solid cornerback. With M.J. Emerson on the free agent list, Cleveland does have great players on the outside corners with Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell. They need a dependable slot guy, and Wright could man that or be sent outside. He is very tall for a cornerback (6’-4”) with great reach and length.
Wright has a knack for disrupting throwing lanes and is capable in man or zone. He is an iffy tackler and missed 10 this past season. He spent all of 2024 on the practice squad, then inked his one-year deal with Chicago before busting out.
Could this become the start of an outstanding career going forward? He is just 27-years old and has been in the NFL for five years. Apparently, it took several seasons for Wright to fully develop into a consistent producer. Berry just could find another exceptional producer for the defensive back room, or he may have just been in the right system at the right time, and that was that. Wright will have to prove to Berry that 2025 was the launch and not a one-off.