Mailbag: Will Browns be able to keep, pay top three cornerbacks? - BrownsZone with Scott Petrak

Q: There seems to be a renewed emphasis on contracts for established defensive backs and those who are showing great potential. Not the level of quarterback or right tackle contracts, but the numbers indicating the emphasis on the passing game. With the Chiefs trade of L’Jarius Sneed on Friday to the Titans and the recent The Browns have shown a renewed emphasis on contracts for established defensive backs, particularly those with great potential. This follows the recent trade of L’Jarius Sneed to the Titans and the recent signing of Kenny Moore. However, with cap considerations and concerns, the team is unlikely to maintain its defensive back core for the long haul. The Browns value cornerbacks, having previously made Denzel Ward the highest-paid corner in league history and drafted Newsome and Emerson in the first and third rounds respectively. The team's salary structure is not set up to handle three corners paid at the top of the market. However it is expected that they will keep paying Ward and Emerson.

Pubblicato : 4 settimane fa di Scott Petrak in Sports

A: The quick answer: Not for the long haul.

I know the Browns greatly value cornerbacks. Not only have general manager Andrew Berry and coach Kevin Stefanski said so repeatedly, the allocation of resources proves it. The Browns made Denzel Ward the highest-paid corner in league history, drafted Newsome in the first round and drafted Emerson in the third round when they already had Ward and Newsome. They continued to add to the pile last year by drafting Cameron Mitchell in the fifth round. The wealth of talent outside and in the slot allowed coordinator Jim Schwartz to play a ton of man-to-man as the Browns had the NFL’s top-ranked defense.

Having said all that, I don’t think the team’s salary structure is set up to handle three corners paid at the top of the market. I expect the Browns to keep paying Ward and make a long-term decision between Emerson and Newsome. The choice seems like it will be Emerson after two strong years to start his career, but the Browns have time to make a final determination. I expect them to pick up the fifth-year option on Newsome’s contract, which would keep him “reasonably” paid through 2025. Emerson’s cheap rookie deal also expires after 2025, with an extension allowed after 2024.

Let’s assume Ward and Emerson are here for the long haul. The variable is what to do with Newsome. He’s been mentioned in trade speculation, which makes sense given everything laid out above. I wouldn’t be stunned if Berry traded him but I would be surprised if he gets enough in return to make it worthwhile. The Browns do and should value Newsome as a starting cornerback with the versatility to play in the slot. In order to give up legitimate talent at a premium position when he’s due only $2.4 million in 2024 and $13.8 million in 2025 on the fifth-year option, Berry will have to get something significant in return, such as a first-round draft pick, multiple picks including a second-rounder or a starter at a position of need. I’m not sure the market will match the price, at which point I’d keep Newsome.

It will be interesting to see how the Browns proceed, but I highly doubt all three top corners will be here beyond 2025 — at the latest. Another factor in this belief is the Browns’ ability to draft quality corners. That likely gives them the confidence they’ll be able to find a suitable replacement.

Q: How do the Browns feel about Jerome Ford’s future? He does not get much recognition for what feels like an impressive second season in the league. And to my eyes at least, if he was inconsistent at times, it was because he gutted out injuries. Can he get even better?

A: It’s a good question and I’m not sure I have a complete answer.

Assuming Nick Chubb isn’t ready to go Week 1, which seems like a long shot, Ford is expected to open the season as the starter. He earned that by holding his own last year after stepping in for the injured Chubb in Week 2. After only eight carries for 12 yards as a rookie in 2022, Ford rushed 204 times for 813 yards, a 4.0 average and four touchdowns. He showed home run ability and fought through a high ankle sprain to not miss a game.

The Browns preferred Kareem Hunt in short yardage and at the goal line, so that’s an area where Ford can improve. He also seemed indecisive at times on wide runs, waiting too long to stick his foot in the ground and cut upfield. It’s also important to remember the line dealt with injuries for much of the year, which affected the running lanes.

This could be an important season for Ford. If Chubb comes back and plays like the Chubb we’re accustomed to seeing, Ford is great as a No. 2. If Chubb is slow to return and/or not himself, Ford will get the chance to prove he’s ready to be the unquestioned starter. And I do think he can improve.

Q: Did the Browns hire Mike Vrabel at the behest of Coach Stefanski or in spite of Coach Stefanski?

A: I understand where you’re coming from but am going to trust Stefanski when he said Monday at the league meetings he reached out to Vrabel to join the Browns. If we’ve learned one thing about Stefanski in four years, he’s comfortable and confident in his skin and role. I get the concept he could be threatened by having Vrabel in the building — talk about a nice backup plan if things go south — but Stefanski has never shown that in his personality. He works well with chief strategy officer Paul DePodesta, Berry and ownership and welcomed Schwartz into the building last year. Schwartz has a huge personality and ego and was viewed by outsiders as a potential interim coach if things went badly at the start of 2023. Stefanski hired him, turned over the defense and was rewarded with the league’s top-ranked unit.

Stefanski and Vrabel had developed a close relationship, as had Berry and Vrabel, and the fit was great for the Northeast Ohio native to return as a coaching and personnel consultant.

Q: In your opinion, what roster holes are left for the Browns to address in free agency and next month’s draft? Might any of these areas be glaring holes?

A: I’ll start with your follow-up. I don’t see any glaring holes. The Browns could field a full roster today and, assuming health, it would be among the most talented in the league across offense, defense and special teams.

I entered the offseason believing defensive tackle was the No. 1 priority. The Browns didn’t add a surefire starter but re-signed Shelby Harris and Maurice Hurst II and added Quinton Jefferson. They have enough volume to be OK but could benefit from a promising rookie and I like the idea of taking one at No. 54 in the second round.

Perhaps the biggest hole I see is at No. 2 tight end. Jordan Akins, recently signed Giovanni Ricci and Zaire Mitchell-Paden are behind David Njoku on the depth chart, but none is a true threat in the passing game or an adequate fill-in if Njoku gets hurt.

The veteran tight end market was active early in free agency and the Browns didn’t pounce, so I’d expect them to try to add one in the third or fourth round of the draft, then reconsider the free agent market if that doesn’t happen.

Other areas where more depth would be a good idea are: receiver, guard, linebackers who can play special teams, an extra cornerback and a young running back.

Q: So how are these guys going to get players to the ground?

A: The question is in regard to the hip-drop tackle being outlawed.

I get the outrage and I know many defensive players share it. The NFL Players Association vigorously opposed the new rule, which should’ve given the owners pause.

I’m sure life will be harder for defenders. I also think they’ll adapt. They’ve done just that with the variety of other rules added to improve safety and increase scoring. Points were down last year, and outlawing the hip-drop tackle could lead to more explosive plays and points.

Temi: Football, NFL, Cleveland Browns

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