In a sport with as much tradition as the National Football League, there are always new storylines to follow. With that in mind, we’re going to make four bold predictions for what will happen during the 2022 NFL offseason.
The 2022 NFL offseason is coming up soon, and with the start of a new year it’s time to make some bold predictions on what will happen. I made 4 predictions that I think could happen this offseason.
It’s impossible to deny that the Cleveland Browns have one of the most complete lineups in the NFL on both sides of the ball. However, many believed they may repeat their achievement in 2020 and eventually compete for the Super Bowl championship as a dark horse candidate. However, things did not go as planned, and they finished the season with an 8-9 record, failing to enter the playoffs.
Following a disappointing season in 2021, the Cleveland Browns’ summer in 2022 will undoubtedly be vital. The franchise is now in a good position, as they have $34 million in salary-cap room to make substantial summer changes.
Hopefully, the things they bring to the table will be enough to get the Browns back on their feet and into the playoffs sooner rather than later.
With that in mind, here are four bold predictions for the Browns over the next offseason.
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Browns Predictions for the Offseason
4. D’Ernest Johnson will be apprehended.
Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt lead the team’s running back room, which is one of the team’s most solid groupings. One of the Browns’ recent strengths has undoubtedly been having a high-caliber running tandem at the helm, particularly when healthy.
In 2021, a young rusher named D’Ernest Johnson rose to prominence after stepping in for Chubb or Hunt while they were both injured. In Week 7, he made an impression on everyone by running for a career-high 146 yards and a score against the Denver Broncos.
In 17 appearances, Johnson racked up 534 yards on 100 carries and three touchdowns. He has, however, completed his three-year deal and will be a restricted free agent in the next summer.
Given his performance, it wouldn’t be shocking if other clubs approached him about signing him for next season. Despite the speculation, it seems that the Browns are still willing to match any offer made to bring Johnson back for a second tour of service in 2022.
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3. Cleveland’s offensive line will be bolstered further.
The offensive line is another strong point for the Browns. According to Pro Football Focus, the unit is listed as the league’s eighth-best for 2021. Regardless of how excellent they are, they can always find ways to improve in order to offer greater pass protection for their quarterback, whomever that may be.
The Browns’ right tackle position is a source of worry, since Jack Conklin has only played in seven games due to a torn patellar tendon. However, the club has the option of acquiring an experienced right tackle who can contend for a starting slot and maybe complement LT Jedrick Willis Jr. in the trenches next season.
While it may not be a serious concern right now, the Browns will undoubtedly gain a significant offensive edge in 2022 if they can have a more unified offensive line.
2. The Browns will deal one of their cornerbacks in order to acquire a wide receiver.
The Browns’ cornerback corps is unquestionably one of the most talented in the league. Denzel Ward has emerged as the group’s leader, while Greg Newsome, a rookie, has made tremendous progress in his first year in the league.
The quality of their slot corners, Troy Hill and A.J. Green, helped to provide depth to the position this season. Greedy Williams, who missed the whole 2020 season due to a shoulder injury, returned to the squad and was a constant presence throughout the season.
He didn’t get nearly as much playing time as he did in his first season, when he was a full-time starter. Williams only started eight of the 16 games he participated in, but he had a total of 41 tackles, ten pass breakups, and two interceptions. Yes, the LSU product has rebounded back, but owing to the close competition in the group, he has yet to totally reclaim his starting role.
Given his talent, many clubs will want to add him to their squads, and Andrew Berry would be smart to utilize him as a trade asset this summer. Williams, who is 24 years old, might be part of a deal to acquire one of the Browns’ most pressing needs, which is a top wide receiver for next season.
1. Baker Mayfield will continue to lead the team.
Following a disappointing season, more people are calling for the Browns to look for a quarterback to replace Baker Mayfield. Yes, the reasons for their uproar are understandable, particularly following the 26-year-most old’s unsuccessful season to date.
In 14 games, he finished the 2021 season with 3,010 throwing yards on 253 completions and 17 touchdowns. However, the general public must be aware of the backdrop surrounding Mayfield’s difficult 2021 season.
His feud with former teammate Odell Beckham Jr. was made public, forcing the latter to look for a new club after being released. Mayfield was left on the field without a viable WR1 to fling passes to when the three-time Pro Bowler exited.
He also had a shoulder ailment in his non-throwing arm as well as a knee contusion, but he was able to play for the Browns throughout the regular season. Not to mention the fact that he was forced to play without his two offensive tackles, Jack Conklin and Jedrick Willis Jr., who were both injured and had to miss time.
Although Mayfield was inconsistent at times, I believe the Browns will give him another chance to establish himself on the field next season. If he doesn’t play well in 2022, he’ll have to consider his alternatives when he becomes an unrestricted free agency in 2023.
The “nfl free agency start 2022” is a prediction that the NFL offseason will be very different in 2022. The league has been struggling with many issues and it is predicted that the future of football will look much different than it does now.
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