The Super Bowl is in the books, now every team in the NFL gets to move on to the preparing for the 2026 season and offseason. For the Cleveland Browns, the offseason started with a bang with the firing of HC Kevin Stefanski but retaining GM Andrew Berry. The Browns 2026 NFL draft will be impacted by the 2026 NFL free agency period, even if Berry has downplayed making a number of moves to put the team “over the top.”
Cleveland’s roster is expected to have another strong offseason of changes with a load of veterans expected to hit free agency, including a few with void year contracts. The Browns have the right to negotiate with their players before they hit the free agent market in early March.
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On the day after the Super Bowl, the following players are set to hit free agency this offseason (Unrestricted Free Agents unless otherwise noted), led by OL Joel Bitonio, TE David Njoku, and OL Wyatt Teller:
Browns pending free agents 2026
TE Blake Whiteheart (RFA)
CB Anthony Kendall (ERFA)
LB Mohamoud Diabate (RFA)
Restricted Free Agents (RFA) are players with three accrued seasons and an expired contract. RFAs are free to negotiate and sign with any team, but their original team can offer them one of various qualifying offers (“tenders”) that come with the Right of First Refusal and/or draft-pick compensation.
Exclusive Rights Free Agents (ERFA) are Any player with fewer than three accrued seasons and an expired contract. If his original team offers him a one-year contract at the league minimum (based on his credited seasons), the player cannot negotiate with other teams.
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The Browns will have the ability to add a signficant amount of salary cap space if they choose to do so this offseason. Whether Berry and new HC Todd Monken will prioritize bringing back players will be something to watch this offseason.