It’s never too early to begin discussing predictions for next season.
Obviously, the Cleveland Browns want to accomplish more than they did in 2020.
Although, making the playoffs and upsetting the Pittsburgh Steelers was no easy task.
The Browns did not achieve their ultimate goal, which was to win the Super Bowl.
However, this roster does not appear to be too far away from reaching the promised land.
Adding Reinforcements
Last season, the Browns were able to take out the Steelers in the first round.
However, they weren’t able to get through the Kansas City Chiefs.
That being said, the front office knew they needed to make some adjustments this offseason.
The main focus was adding talent on the defensive side, which the Browns have done through free agency.
Honestly, the biggest addition for Cleveland thus far has been safety John Johnson III.
BREAKING 🚨
Browns now closing in on a 3 Year, $33.75 million contract on safety John Johnson III, real nice pickup for Cleveland 🔥 pic.twitter.com/907lDxBfTj— 𝘿𝙖𝙠𝙈𝙑𝙋 ✮ (@GoatedDak) March 15, 2021
Johnson was quietly become one of the best safeties in the league.
Cleveland very well could’ve found the biggest steal in free agency with the signing of Johnson.
Although, the Browns also added talent such as Takk McKinley, Anthony Walker, and Troy Hill during free agency.
The Browns work isn’t over, but this is a great beginning to the offseason.
Both the secondary and linebacker spots needed to be addressed, which the front office has already done.
There are not too many obvious weaknesses on this roster heading into the NFL Draft.
The front office has done an incredible job rebuilding this defense during free agency.
Getting To The Super Bowl
The offseason is not over yet, so the Browns still have time to sign more free agents and the draft as well.
On paper, this team is already better than they were during the 2020 season.
This offensive unit was already strong, but the return of Odell Beckham Jr. should be a significant boost as well.
As of right now, the Browns actually have better odds to win the Super Bowl than the Steelers.
The Cleveland Browns have better odds to win Super Bowl LVI than the Pittsburgh Steelers. pic.twitter.com/tAVVmGAVYm
— Clark Johnson (@_jamesclark3_) February 22, 2021
That is not too shocking considering the Browns roster is stacked with talent.
They already got a taste of playoff football last season, which resulted in them taking out the Steelers.
An improved secondary should give Cleveland a better chance against an elite offensive unit like the Chiefs.
At first glance, the Browns are already one of the top teams in the entire AFC.
It’s worth noting that the Browns still have plenty of cap space to get even better before the season starts.
The top 5 teams in remaining cap space and theirs odds to win Super Bowl LVI:
🏈 Cleveland Browns – $30.4M – +2000
🏈 New York Jets – $26.7M – +8000
🏈 Dallas Cowboys – $25.4M – +2200
🏈 Jacksonville Jaguars – $23.5M – +8000
🏈 Philadelphia Eagles – $22.8M – +5000 pic.twitter.com/CbVs7etiiz— BetOnline (@BetOnline_ag) February 19, 2021
There aren’t too many teams that are better on paper than the Browns right now.
The Chiefs, Browns, Packers, and defending champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers appear to be the strongest teams.
Although, injuries always have an impact and sometimes teams can play under their expectations.
Last season, it felt like the Browns were a few pieces away from being legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
They’ve made the right moves in free agency and this team could very well make it to the promised land next season.
It’s never easy to predict what will happen, but it certainly seems like the Browns have a real shot at making it to Super Bowl 56.
NEXT: Pat McAfee: Cleveland Will Be "Tough Place To Play" In Playoffs
Every year since I don’t know when I’ve had high hopes. Equal to this years high hopes for similar reasons involving players. But THIS is the year. Actually, there are more reasons this year, depending on how the draft goes. We’ve had better slots in years gone by, but it seems at 26 we can get a pretty good Edge guy since earlier slot teams need other positions. The guy I want won’t be there at 26, but there are rushers in the top 5 one of which should be. We’ll be alright, esp with Chubb and Hunt and if OBJ comes back as effective as Jarvis we’re golden. Hooper was terrific last and Nojuku will be good too. Do we need a kicker? How important are kickers?
No. They are no threat to even make the playoffs. They had a sissy schedule last year. This year they will have to play some real teams. 8 & 8 is the best they will do. Need to get rid of Baker. The nucleus of a good team is in place. Get rid of Baker.
I think you left out a team there when you included the browns as an elite team on paper….and no matter how good the Bill’s are they still get disregarded and looked past….its learned behavior and cant fault anyone….LAST YEAR…COmeOnMan….no way the browns are better on paper or the field the Bills…