Browns Strengthen Defense, Prioritize Offense in Draft

0:00On March 20th, the Cleveland Browns kicked off the 2026 offseason with their starting defense mostly locked in place. They've tendered safety, Ronnie Hickman, swapped out linebacker Devon Bush for Quincy Williams and shorted up the front with smart free agency moves. That leaves the real competition for training camp on offense, especially at quarterback, left tackle, right guard, wide receiver, and the number two, tight end spot. Earlier this week, they grabbed former Buffalo Bill's pass rusher AJ Finesse on a one-year deal worth up to $5 million. On Friday, they resigned defensive tackle Sam Kamara for depth, brought back Julian O'Qara and added Kalea Davis from the San Francisco 40. Niners. These steps replace guys like Cameron Thomas and likely signal the end for aging Shelby Harris. ESPN analyst Daniel Oyafuzzi highlighted how the Browns defensive front now feels solid more than a month before the 2026 NFL draft. Fans and insiders see this as a huge crutch, easing worries about edge rushers, inside linebackers

1:04and defensive backs despite some expiring. Contracts for players like Jeremiah Ousu, Kormoa, Grant Delpit, and Hickman. With nine draft picks in hand, General Manager Andrew Berry can now prioritize offensive starters in the early rounds. The interior line stays stout thanks to Malia Collins, and second-year breakout hopeful Mason Graham, letting them add defensive depth later if needed. This setup gives the Browns flexibility to build around their defensive strength while chasing offensive upgrades, setting up an exciting draft, and camp ahead.