As the Cleveland Browns continue their search for a new head coach, GM Andrew Berry is also having to figure out his roster contract situations.
31-players have expiring deals heading into the 2026 season. The continued salary cap gymnastics that Berry will need to perform because of the Deshaun Watson contract, means the Browns will need to be "ballin' on a budget" in NFL free agency.
Here are the five essential free agents that the Browns cannot afford to let walk:
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Joel Bitonio (LG): The heart and soul of the O-line.
He was the only starting lineman to stay healthy enough for all 17 games in 2025. His veteran leadership is priceless. Can the Browns talk him out of retiring for one more year to help ease the pain of an offensive line rebuild?
Devin Bush (LB): Thriving in this Jim Schwarz defense, he led the NFL with two pick-sixes and 164 interception return yards in 2025.
He posted a career-high 125 tackles and three interceptions, capping the year as the AFC Defensive Player of the Week. Hopefully Cleveland won't be priced out of his services by other interested teams.
Ronnie Hickman (S): A homegrown undrafted starter who led the secondary with a 75.3 PFF coverage grade.
At just 24, he racked up 103 tackles and two interceptions while playing 98.5% of defensive snaps. Being aware of budget constraints, Hickman would be a cheaper alternative than outside free agents to continue his partnership with Grant Delpit.
Andre Szmyt (K): Became automatic after missing a game winning kick in game 1.
Got redemption when he hit a record 55-yard walk-off winner against the Packers in Week 3. Hit 88.9-percent of field goals, and was 25-of-26 in extra points. For a position that has haunted this franchise for years, re-signing Szmyt is non-negotiable.
Martin Emerson (CB): A shutdown corner whose 2025 season was cut short by an Achilles injury.
Before the injury, he was a cornerstone of the defense; bringing him back on a "prove-it" deal ensures Cleveland's secondary would be a true force alongside Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell.
Bonus- Corey Bojorquez (P)
In another season of special teams coverage liability, Bojorquez proved once again to be reliable. He led the NFL for a second straight season in total punting yards.
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