Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry opened the offseason by promising that the team would be making a heavy investment in the offense.
Say what you will about Berry, but no one can accuse him of not being true to his word.
Berry started in on the offensive line by working out a trade for right tackle Tytus Howard, and then signing guards Elgton Jenkins and Zion Johnson in free agency.
It wasn’t just the offensive line that needed help, of course, as free agency also brought tight end Jack Stoll and wide receiver/kick returner Tylan Wallace to town.
The remodeling continued over the weekend in the 2026 NFL Draft, as Berry selected offensive linemen Spencer Fano (tackle), Austin Barber (tackle), and Parker Brailsford (center); wide receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston; and tight ends Joe Royer and Carsen Ryan.
With the draft in the books and training camps still months away, player acquisition has mostly gone silent across the league, although Berry found time on Monday to sign free agent fullback Michael Burton.
When the news broke today that veteran free agent cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. was signing with the New Orleans Saints, it seemed like a good time to check in on the status of Cleveland’s other free agents.
In addition to Emerson, the following free agents have signed elsewhere:
Running back Jerome Ford with the Washington Commanders
Defensive end Cameron Thomas with the Atlanta Falcons
Linebacker Mohamoud Diabate with the Tennessee Titans
Guard Joel Bitonio, who is considering retirement, although the Browns have said the door is open to him returning for another season. At this point, that feels like something that would happen later this summer if an injury hit the offensive line.
Center Ethan Pocic, who is still recovering from an Achilles injury.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris, who may be replacing Dexter Lawrence with the New York Giants
Cornerback Anthony Kendall, an earnings restricted free agent
There likely will be no movement, especially with some of the veterans on the list, until teams get closer to training camp. Although, as the Burton signing shows, anything is possible, so keep it tuned to Dawgs By Nature for all the latest news.