3 Difficult Roster Decisions the Browns Face This Offseason
By Mark Powell
The Cleveland Browns' season ended in utter disappointment, as a roster loaded with talent failed to register more than six wins. Freddie Kitchens is out the door and the Browns now feature a talented, yet disgruntled roster awaiting some sort of direction. This might help:
3. What's the Answer at Linebacker?
Joe Schobert is a free agent at the end of this season and the Browns don't sound inclined to bring him back, as reported last month. This leaves Cleveland primarily with Mack Wilson leading that unit, with Sione Takitaki stepping in should the Browns not make any improvements to the position via free agency and the NFL Draft, which seems unlikely.
2. Should They Trade Odell Beckham Jr.?
Wherever Odell Beckham Jr. goes, drama seems to follow. While that's not necessarily all on him, he does thrive in dysfunctional environments. This doesn't fit what the Browns are trying to build, especially after moving on from yet another head coach and GM. Cleveland needs stability, and they must decide if holding onto OBJ is the best answer moving forward.
1. Do They Re-Sign Kareem Hunt?
Kareem Hunt remains supremely talented and by most accounts he's been a superb teammate in Cleveland. Signing Hunt in the first place was a John Dorsey move, and with the GM now out the door, his place on the roster next season seems less secure. Hunt's rehabilitation project had the potential to be a PR disaster, but his relatively good production alongside Nick Chubb and ability not to stand out off the field allowed the Browns to hide him on the depth chart and from the media. Is Hunt worth the price he'll demand in free agency as a backup?