Here are the moves the Cleveland Browns should consider when free agency opens at 4 p.m. ET Wednesday.
Priority No. 1: Sign WR Marvin Jones. Jones is a big target and a guy well-liked by coach Hue Jackson, who was Jones' offensive coordinator the past two seasons in Cincinnati. As the Bengals' second receiver last season opposite A.J. Green, Jones had 65 catches for 816 yards and four touchdowns. He has the 6-foot-2 size the Browns need, and at 25, he has plenty of years left. Pair Jones with a dedicated and focused Josh Gordon and suddenly the Browns' receiving corps takes on a new look and feel.
Priority No. 2: Bring back C Alex Mack. If the Browns believe they can count on Cam Erving to come through as a starting center this season, they are looking at different film than the games I watched. Erving was overpowered and committed too many penalties for a first-round pick. His conditioning also came into question. Mack is a pro's pro, a guy any team would want. Assuming he opts out of his deal, the Browns should not give up on bringing him back.
Priority No. 3: Sign RT Ryan Schraeder. Yes, it would make more sense to re-sign Mitchell Schwartz, but Schraeder could be one heck of a replacement. At 6-foot-7 and 300 pounds, Schraeder is an aggressive right tackle who excelled after the took over at right tackle in Atlanta in Week 8 last season. Pro Football Focus raved about him. At 28, he should have good years left. And he probably will cost less than Schwartz.
Priority No. 4: Have some serious conversations with QB Brock Osweiler. I'm not convinced that Osweiler is better than a drafted quarterback (Jared Goff, Carson Wentz, Connor Cook), but the Browns owe it to themselves to find out as much as they can about Osweiler. That means bringing him in for a visit, talking to him and doing in-depth research on his attitude, professionalism and abilities. This team's quarterback situation is so unnerving that any possible candidate deserves a full look. I totally expect Osweiler to stay in Denver, and I believe the Browns would be better off grooming their own QB than inheriting another team's project, but that doesn't mean the Browns shouldn't look into him.
Priority No. 5: Sign CB Casey Hayward. The Browns suffered in 2015 with the loss of Joe Haden to injury and of Buster Skrine to free agency. Tramon Williams was added, but Justin Gilbert continued to struggled. The position could use upgrading. Heyward is a strong cover corner out of Green Bay who is only 26.