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NFL Free Agency: Wins and Losses From Day One of Free Agency

By George Stockburger

Mar 1, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman speaks to the media during the 2017 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman speaks to the media during the 2017 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 6, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson during the Leigh Steinberg Party at the City View at Metreon. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson during the Leigh Steinberg Party at the City View at Metreon. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Winner: Hue Jackson

Have the Browns finally figured themselves out and chartered a path towards being relevant once again? Time will tell, but if Thursday told us anything, it’s that the Browns actually made some smart moves.

First was making upgrades in the trenches where the games are won. Cleveland started their day by extending guard Joel Bitonio’s contract for five years and over $50 million.

Work began on the free agent market, where the Browns signed center J.C. Tretter and guard Kevin Zeitler to contracts that combined to cost over $73 million.

These upgrades will protect whoever starts at quarterback in Cleveland next year and any running back that sets up in the backfield.

Veteran wide receiver Kenny Britt was also signed to a major free agent contract spanning four years worth over $32 million. The value may not be fantastic, but it gives the Browns a veteran in a room with little experience.

Thursday was topped off with the aforementioned Brock Osweiler trade with Houston where the Browns get a future second-round pick just for taking on the quarterback’s contract. Originally the team was expected to release the 26-year-old, but now other teams are calling to make a trade, which means, even more, draft picks for Cleveland.

All in all, it was a good day to be head coach Hue Jackson knowing that the organization is actually looking to win the right way shortly.

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