Grading the Cleveland Browns 2026 NFL Free Agency Frenzy
With just a few remaining NFL free agents left for grabs, it’s a good time to assess how each team did with the cap space they had. Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry did not have the optimal cap space to begin the tampering period, but after some contracts were restructured and money was moved around, the Browns were able to address major areas of need. The Browns are still a work in progress before they can be considered noteworthy contenders heading into next season, but the signings they made have fans hopeful for an improvement over what they have seen over the last two seasons. All of the signings the Browns have made so far have officially been locked in, so here’s how they grade out with just 36 days until the 2026 NFL Draft, where Cleveland should be able to find even more talent.
Zion Johnson, Offensive Guard, Los Angeles Chargers: B
The signing of a member of the Los Angeles Chargers' offensive line, the same unit that utterly crumbled in the Chargers' AFC Wild Card loss to the New England Patriots, initially raised eyebrows from Browns fans upon hearing the news. LA’s offensive line coach, Mike Devlin, was fired after that game, but it wasn’t exactly the fault of one of the newest Cleveland Browns, Zion Johnson. The former first-round pick and the Browns agreed to a three-year, $49.5 million contract that equally serves as protection for whoever takes snaps at quarterback for the Browns and a prove-it deal for a player who has seen ups and downs in his young career. Johnson’s best ability is his availability, as he’s started 65 out of a possible 66 games in his career with the Chargers. The Boston College product was also a strong run blocker in 2025, grading out as the second-ranked guard in terms of run-block win rate at 79.3. However, Johnson’s pass protection woes stuck out like a sore thumb, as he had a weak win rate of 87.4 in pass protection. It may seem like Johnson’s stats do not deserve the sizeable contract he was awarded, but he is a versatile, reliable guard that consistently shows up for game day and can line up at both guard positions. Overall, this signing is one of several indications that head coach Todd Monken will pound the rock with second-year running back Quinshon Judkins, and behind Johnson, Cleveland should find success in their running game.
Quincy Williams, Linebacker, New York Jets: A-
The high grade Quincy Williams is receiving here is mostly based on what we’ve seen him do in the past, as his production has slightly tapered off since his 2023 All-Pro campaign. However, the lack of production can largely be attributed to differences with New York’s coaching staff and injuries suffered in 2025. At his absolute best, the 29-year-old is a high-quality off-ball linebacker that will fit perfectly into the scheme of defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg, who served as Williams' linebackers coach during his career year in 2023. Paired with Carson Schwesinger, who has incredible upside himself, the Browns are set to utilize their brand new linebacker core to propel their already strong defense. The offensive line acquisitions set them up to run the ball, and the signing of Williams will help the Browns stop the run as well.
Elgton Jenkins, Offensive Line, Green Bay Packers: B+
If Elgton Jenkins can stay healthy, Berry and the Browns might’ve robbed the Green Bay Packers. Since coming into the league in 2019, Jenkins has started multiple games at multiple different positions and has made two Pro Bowl appearances at two different positions. He’s also consistently been one of the better offensive linemen on a consistent contender in Green Bay, and brings postseason experience to a young team hungry to get back to the playoffs. The problem with Jenkins is his injury history. In both 2021 and 2025, the former Mississippi State Bulldog missed several games due to injury, and the only reason the Browns were able to sign a player of Jenkins’ caliber was that the Packers were tired of him being on the injured reserve and ultimately released him. Cleveland, desperately needing assistance on the offensive line, chose to overlook the 30-year-old’s injury history and instead looked towards his prior success with the Packers. Browns fans are definitely tired of hearing the word “if”, but hypothetically, a healthy Jenkins gives Cleveland a terrific solution to their pass protection struggles. Additionally, the fact that he can play virtually every position on the line, the signing is well deserving of its above-average grade, and also serves as the final piece of a very good free agent class for Cleveland.
